Heller Might Not

Have Been Target,

Testimony Suggests

Women's Apartment Door 'Covered'

On Floor Below Where Hero Died

By JENNIFER HILL • Special to www.AllOTSEGO.com

ONEONTA – A burned spray can was found outside the door of a woman's apartment at 5 Walling Ave., state investigators told City Judge Lucy Bernier during testimony today.

And the bottom of Heather Engler's door was "covered," state Fire Investigator Christopher Lupold testified.

The testimony suggests the woman may have been the target, rather than the man who died: John D. Heller, 38, who was asleep one floor up with his fiancée  and his four nephews.

The spray can, burned beyond recognition, was found amid the debris found during the investigation into the fire that killed the former Oneonta firefighter who helped the four boys and fiancée Amber Roe escape before succumbing to the fire.