Woman Killed At Timberland Headquarters Was Stabbed

STRATHAM, N.H. (CBS/AP) — New Hampshire authorities said a woman who was killed at the company headquarters of Timberland was stabbed. The attorney general's office identified the woman as Catherine Heppner, 46, of Exeter.

Robert Pavao, 20, of Berwick, Maine, was arrested and charged Sunday with two counts of second-degree murder. He's pleaded not guilty.

Heppner was a wife and the mother of a third grade boy. In a statement, her family said they are "devastated and stunned by the tragic loss."

"She was the energetic light of our family, with an infectious spirit that touched anyone in her presence," the family's statement said. "She was a wonderful wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and colleague. We will cherish her forever."

Authorities said Pavao was a security guard at the business headquarters in Stratham and had worked there for four months. They said he had no relationship to Heppner. His father declined comment Wednesday.

Timberland issued a statement stating the company lost "a beloved member of the Timberland community, Cassie Heppner, to a senseless act of violence."

"A suspect is in custody, and we are cooperating fully with authorities in their investigation," a spokeswoman for Timberland said. "Cassie was truly one-of-a-kind, and her passing leaves a void that will never be filled. We extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones, and ask that you please respect the family's request for privacy during this difficult time."

Heppner's family has set up a scholarship fund in her honor. To donate, visit gofundme.com/f/the-cassie-heppner-memorial-fund

(© Copyright 2020 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)