In a shocking case from Farmington, New Mexico, a school teacher has been arrested for the alleged murder of her husband, a crime that remained unsolved for nearly five years. Heather Fernandez Hoofer, a third-grade teacher at McCormack Elementary, was taken into custody on April 1, 2025, in connection with the death of her husband, Robert Hoofer, whose lifeless body was discovered by Heather in their home on November 29, 2020.
The couple had been married for just over three months when Heather dialed 911, claiming to have found her husband unresponsive on their bedroom floor. During the distressing call, she repeatedly pleaded for him to wake up, but her demeanor raised suspicions among the responding officers. Heather’s account of the events surrounding Robert’s death underwent significant changes when she spoke to police.
Initially, she stated that Robert had injured himself with a knife the previous evening, but later suggested that the injuries could have resulted from an overdose or other means. Inconsistencies in her story, combined with the nature of Robert’s wounds, led investigators to suspect foul play. An autopsy revealed he had suffered three stab wounds to the chest, which penetrated his ribcage and caused significant blood loss. Contrarily, Heather claimed she did not think the wounds were “that deep.”
Police investigations uncovered evidence suggesting that Robert was likely stabbed in the couple’s bed, contradicting Heather’s assertion that she found him on the floor. Notably, a knife block in the kitchen contained all its steak knives, raising further doubts about her claims that Robert had stabbed himself. Additionally, witnesses reported hearing arguments between the couple on the night of Robert’s death, hinting at possible domestic strife.
Financial strain appeared to be a significant factor in the couple’s relationship, with reports indicating that Heather was the primary breadwinner, supporting not only herself and Robert but also her children and grandchildren. The circumstances surrounding Robert’s death and Heather’s subsequent behavior, including her continued employment as a teacher for five years after the incident, have drawn public interest and scrutiny.
The Farmington Municipal School District confirmed that Heather was placed on administrative leave following her arrest and had been actively teaching until that time. The district stated they were unaware of any ongoing investigation regarding Heather at the time of her arrest.
Heather Fernandez Hoofer is charged with second-degree murder and tampering with evidence. She is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on May 14, 2025. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains in shock, grappling with the implications of a tragic death entwined with the complexities of domestic life and the challenges of uncovering the truth in such difficult circumstances.