GoFundMe Set Up for Grandparents of West Michigan Murder Victim Jessica Heeringa

More than a decade later, this case remains one of the most talked-about and unsettling in West Michigan.

Get our free mobile app

On April 26, 2013, 25-year-old Jessica Heeringa disappeared while working the late shift at the Exxon station on Sternberg Road in Norton Shores.

The young mother vanished just before closing, leaving behind her purse, jacket, and car. There were no signs of a robbery, however, there were signs of a struggle. Investigators quickly determined she had likely been abducted.

While Jeffrey Willis was later convicted of her kidnapping and murder, Jessica’s body has never been found.

I cannot even imagine the toll this has taken on her family. Her grandparents, Diane and Roman Homrich, have spent years searching for answers. They poured their savings into hiring private detectives and following every lead, refusing to give up on Jessica. That dedication came at a cost. The couple eventually sold their home and moved into a mobile home they could afford. Now, they face new challenges.

According to their GoFundMe page, a hidden water line in the mobile home leaked over time, causing black mold behind the walls. Their insurance company denied the claim, leaving them responsible for cleanup and repairs. On top of that, Roman recently suffered a serious fall, breaking his hip and collarbone, and will need to move to a nursing facility while he recovers.

READ MORE: Warning - Scam Postcards in Michigan Targeting Veterans

A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with a goal of $13,000. The campaign is intended to cover the mold remediation, home repairs, and related expenses while Roman recovers, giving Diane some breathing room and allowing her to stay in the home. It also provides a way for the community to support a family that has already faced more than most could imagine.