Tommie Heard guilty of first-degree murder in Battle Creek

A Calhoun County jury found Tommie Heard, 35, guilty on September 24, 2026, of first-degree, premeditated, and felony murder, as well as domestic violence third offense, in the killing of 28-year-old Morgan Schug, according to Calhoun County Prosecutor David Gilbert.

Police stated that Heard confessed to stabbing Schug, who was his girlfriend, to death in April 2024 at a home on East Pitman Avenue in Battle Creek. Court records detailed that Morgan Schug’s grandmother witnessed the attack after trying to stop Heard, who shoved her down as she watched her grandchild get stabbed multiple times. A Battle Creek police officer subsequently found Heard running with bloody hands near East Emmett Street, two blocks from the scene.

Family Accounts and Prior Domestic Violence History

Misty Schug, the victim’s sister, stated that Morgan Schug was four months pregnant with Heard’s child when she was murdered, a fact the family discovered weeks prior. Misty Schug added that she had witnessed Heard behave violently toward her sister throughout their eight-year relationship. According to Misty Schug, Morgan Schug would leave Heard because she was tired of being beaten, but would return after he talked her into coming back.

Court records indicate Morgan Schug never filed a personal protection order against Heard.

The family couldn’t even stop him, I don’t think a piece of paper would have been able to stop him.

Misty Schug

The Calhoun County Prosecutor’s Office reported that Heard had previously been charged with four domestic-related incidents. Melissa Schug, the victim’s mother, expressed frustration with the legal system, stating that officials should have intervened earlier regarding his history of violence against women.

Legal Proceedings and Support Resources

Heard is scheduled to be sentenced on November 2, 2026.

Individuals affected by domestic violence can reach out to S.A.F.E. Place’s 24-hour hotline at 269-965-7233.