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Missing Columbus woman's death ruled a homicide

Remains were found in a shallow grave Thursday
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BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY — Detectives in Bartholomew County found the remains of a missing Columbus woman Thursday in a shallow grave, according to the sheriff's office.

The remains were found just off of 400 N. between U.S. 31 and River Rd.

The remains were identified as Heather Ann Steuver, 37, of Columbus. Deputies had taken a missing persons report for Steuver in August, and a detective thought there were suspicious circumstances around her disappearance.

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Heather Ann Steuver, 37, was last seen at her residence on Sunday, August 22, 2021, in Bartholomew County. The sheriff's office is asking anyone with information to call them.

Steuver's death was ruled a homicide by Coroner Clayton Nolting with the cause of death being blunt force trauma to the head.

Steuver's boyfriend, a 38-year-old Columbus man, has been preliminarily charged with her murder. WRTV is not naming him because formal charges have not been filed.

Personnel from Indiana State Police, the Columbus Police Department, Indiana Conservation Officers and the Columbus Township Fire Department assisted deputies and the coroner's office at the scene.