'She was a firecracker and sweetheart,' Family waits for answers after couple found dead
"Undetermined death investigation" is what police labeled the report after Christianna Mendez-Heitzman and Robert Simmons were found dead in the Courts Apartments complex.
Simmons, 39, and Mendez-Heitzman, 22, were a couple who lived at the home with her 3-year-old daughter. Mendez-Heitzman's brother, who lived with the couple, found them when he returned to the apartment. His niece, Adriana, was asleep, and he took her out of the apartment and called 911.
At 9:10 a.m. on May 31, 2025, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police responded to that 911 call from the 4400 block of Linwood Court. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
The couple's loved ones told IndyStar they have suspicions of what happened, but are waiting on autopsy results from the Marion County Coroner's Office and confirmed information from detectives.
Kerri Cunningham, who has been a longtime friend of the family, created a GoFundMe to help raise money for Mendez-Heitzman's funeral costs. She was at the apartment complex for hours after learning the news about the deaths and said neighbors shared their happy, albeit brief, moments with Mendez-Heitzman.
She contacted Simmons' family to let them know what happened.
"My heart is breaking for everyone involved," Cunningham said.
IndyStar located Simmons' family, who said they were also at the scene of the death investigation, but they declined to comment.
Cunningham said Mendez-Heitzman was focused on improving her life and worked hard to get her apartment and car. Mendez-Heitzman was a genuine soul who would help babysit Cunningham's young children.
"I spoke to her the day before she died, and nothing seemed out of the ordinary or wrong," Cunningham said.
Mendez-Heitzman's loved ones are remembering her as a hilarious character who used to make them laugh no matter what was going on in life.
Angela Heitzman said her niece was outgoing, energetic, made friends easily and had the best facial expressions.
"One 4th of July, she and her brother, Jose, came to watch fireworks," Angela Heitzman said. "We had glow sticks and sparklers. She was so dramatic and silly."
Online, teachers, former classmates and friends are sharing their memories of Mendez-Heitzman with many saying she was passionate about sports and fun to be around.
Her mother, Tammy Heitzman, told IndyStar they texted often and said the young mom was always highlighting her skills in the kitchen or asking for advice.
"She was showing off what she made to feed her daughter and brother," her mother said, describing the last time they spoke. "She was very passionate about the people in her circle, especially Adriana and (her brother)."
Her sister, Stephanie Heitzman, said she looked up to Mendez-Heitzman the most growing up, because she admired how she was her own person.
"Her personality was one of a kind. She was a firecracker and a sweetheart all in one," said Stephanie Heitzman.
This article will update.
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