Intoxicated Girlfriend Ends Volatile Relationship With One Shot

The Background: Heather Lee Mogg (then ~48–49) and Jonathon (Jonathan) Tippett (50) were an unmarried couple who had been together for about seven years and shared a home in Friendship Township, Emmet County, Michigan (near Harbor Springs). Their relationship was described by those who knew them as volatile; they fought often. Mogg claimed ongoing domestic violence by Tippett over the years (estimating 15–20 physical incidents involving pushing, choking, bruising, and slapping). No police reports documented alleged abuse against her. Tippett had a 2007 guilty plea to assault and battery against another woman. Mogg claimed the shooting occurred after a physical altercation and that she had warned him she would kill him if he put his hands on her. Prosecutors noted her pattern of high blood-alcohol levels and escalating dangerous behavior. The Crime: On the evening of August 10, 2022, Mogg and Tippett argued throughout the evening at their home on State Road near Middle Village Road in Friendship Township. Mogg shot Tippett once with a .45 revolver (which she said belonged to her father and was not registered in her name), causing his death. She then called 911 (around 8:48–8:58 p.m.) and reported that she had just shot her boyfriend. When Emmet County Sheriff’s deputies arrived, Mogg was still holding the firearm; Tippett was found deceased inside the home with a gunshot wound. Mogg showed scuff marks and bruises. Her preliminary breath test showed a blood-alcohol content of approximately .29 (well above Michigan’s legal driving limit of .08). She had a prior 2020 conviction for driving with a BAC of .32. The Investigation: Mogg was arrested at the scene on August 10, 2022. She told police the shooting was in self-defense after a physical altercation. Key evidence included the .45 revolver she was holding, Tippett’s fatal gunshot wound, her visible injuries (scuff marks/bruises), and her high BAC. Tippett was shot once. No extensive public details of digital evidence or major inconsistencies beyond the self-defense claim versus the circumstances (intoxication, possession of the firearm, and lack of prior police reports of abuse against Mogg) were highlighted in available reports. She was charged with second-degree homicide/murder, felony firearm, and possession of a firearm while under the influence. Bond was set at $250,000. Conviction and Sentencing: Mogg waived preliminary examination and was bound over for trial on the original charges. On November 22, 2022, she accepted a plea deal and pleaded guilty to manslaughter with intent but without malice (the more serious charges were reduced). On January 25, 2023, 57th Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Deegan sentenced her to 5–15 years in prison. She was housed at the Huron Valley Complex for Women. Parole eligibility was set for December 22, 2027, with a maximum release date of December 22, 2037. Tippett’s family expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome.