SPARTANBURG MAN RECEIVES LIFE PRISON SENTENCE FOR FATAL BEATING

A Spartanburg County man received a life prison sentence today for beating a local man to death.

Robert L. Heydman, 48, was found guilty of murder at the conclusion of a three-day jury trial. Heydman and Angela “Dawn” Fowler, 38, conspired to kill her former husband and live-in boyfriend, Richard Craig Fowler on Dec. 13, 2006 during a pre-planned burglary.

Dawn Fowler left a door at their Boiling Springs home open when she took the couple’s children to school. Heydman entered through the open door and attacked Richard Craig Fowler in a bedroom. Sheriff’s deputies said the victim was lying on a bed when they entered the home.

Dawn Fowler pleaded guilty to accessory and conspiracy charges earlier this week, testified against Heydman during the trial. She told jurors about several codes she and Heydman developed to execute the murder. Cell telephone records collaborated her testimony.

Dawn Fowler is being held in jail while she awaits sentencing.

Heydman will serve every day of his prison sentence. He is not eligible for parole.