In a shocking incident that has gripped the community of New Port Richey, Florida, 50-year-old Chuanying He was arrested on August 21, 2025, for the brutal murder of her 65-year-old husband, Robert Heyden. Authorities allege that He poured sulfuric acid on Heyden while he slept, causing extensive chemical burns that led to his death days later. The case, marked by its premeditated nature and the gruesome details of the attack, has raised questions about domestic violence, motive, and the tragic unraveling of a marriage amidst ongoing divorce proceedings.
The Incident: A Calculated and Fatal Attack
On the evening of August 21, 2025, at approximately 5:01 p.m., the New Port Richey Police Department received a 911 call from Chuanying He, who reported that she had used sulfuric acid to harm her husband. Officers arrived at the couple’s home on the 4500 block of Slippery Rock Road in the Briar Patch community to a scene of unimaginable horror. They found Robert Heyden trapped inside a bedroom, screaming for help, his body covered in severe chemical burns.
The bedroom door had been barricaded with a wooden bar and wire attached to the doorknob, preventing Heyden from escaping. According to the arrest affidavit, He admitted to intentionally pouring sulfuric acid on her husband while he was lying in bed. The liquid, later confirmed to be sulfuric acid, was found on the bed and floor, corroborating the severity of the attack.
Heyden, in critical condition, was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite undergoing life-saving surgery, he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The evidence gathered by police pointed to a calculated act, with authorities noting that He’s actions—obtaining the chemical, pouring it on her husband, and barricading the door—demonstrated clear premeditation.
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The affidavit further revealed that Heyden, in his final moments with responding officers, stated that his wife had tried to kill him multiple times prior to this incident. This chilling detail, combined with the physical evidence, painted a picture of a deliberate and vicious assault. He was arrested on the scene without further incident and initially charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery causing serious bodily injury. Following Heyden’s death, the charges were upgraded to first-degree premeditated murder.
The Context: A Marriage in Turmoil
The tragic incident was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of a troubled relationship marked by domestic issues. Chuanying He and Robert Heyden had married in August 2024, but their union quickly deteriorated. By March 2025, Heyden had filed for divorce, seeking a court order to gain exclusive use and possession of their shared home in New Port Richey. A hearing in their divorce proceedings was scheduled for August 22, 2025—the day after the acid attack—suggesting that the timing of the incident may have been influenced by the impending legal proceedings.
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Police records indicate that officers had responded to the couple’s home multiple times in the past for verbal domestic disputes, though no arrests had been made prior to this incident. Detective David Crowell of the New Port Richey Police Department noted that the residence had a history of domestic issues, underscoring a pattern of conflict between He and Heyden.
The divorce filing and the scheduled hearing may have heightened tensions, potentially providing a motive for He’s actions. Authorities have stated that the evidence, including He’s confession and the premeditated nature of the attack, points to a clear intent to harm or kill her husband. The use of sulfuric acid, a highly corrosive substance, adds a layer of brutality to the crime.
The chemical, which can cause severe burns and tissue damage upon contact, was likely obtained with the specific purpose of inflicting maximum harm. The act of barricading the bedroom door further suggests an intent to ensure that Heyden could not escape or seek immediate help, amplifying the cruelty of the attack. As the investigation continues, authorities are likely exploring how He acquired the sulfuric acid and whether she had planned the attack over an extended period.
The Aftermath: Legal and Community Implications
Chuanying He is currently being held without bond in the Pasco County Jail, facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder and aggravated battery causing bodily harm or disability. The case has sent shockwaves through the New Port Richey community, a city of approximately 20,000 residents located in the Tampa Bay area. The brutality of the attack and the domestic context have sparked discussions about the prevalence of domestic violence and the warning signs that may precede such extreme acts.
The incident highlights the complexities of domestic violence cases, where underlying issues such as marital discord, financial disputes, or emotional strain can escalate to catastrophic outcomes. The fact that police had been called to the couple’s home for previous domestic incidents raises questions about whether earlier intervention could have prevented the tragedy. Domestic violence advocates emphasize the importance of recognizing red flags, such as verbal arguments or controlling behaviors, and providing resources to both victims and perpetrators before situations escalate.
The case also underscores the legal system’s role in addressing domestic violence. Heyden’s attempt to secure exclusive possession of the home through divorce proceedings suggests he may have been seeking to establish distance from his wife, possibly due to safety concerns. However, the scheduled hearing came too late to prevent the fatal attack. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the need for swift legal protections, such as restraining orders or temporary housing solutions, for individuals in volatile domestic situations.
From a community perspective, the incident has left residents grappling with the reality that such a horrific act could occur in a seemingly quiet neighborhood like Briar Patch. Neighbors and local residents have expressed shock and sadness, with many unaware of the couple’s troubled history until the news broke. The case has also prompted discussions about mental health, as the extreme nature of the attack raises questions about He’s state of mind and the factors that may have driven her to commit such an act.
Broader Reflections: Addressing Domestic Violence and Chemical Attacks
The murder of Robert Heyden by Chuanying He is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked domestic violence. While the specifics of their relationship remain under investigation, the case highlights the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic conflicts before they turn deadly. Community programs, counseling services, and legal protections play a critical role in preventing such tragedies, but their effectiveness depends on early intervention and accessibility.
The use of sulfuric acid as a weapon also draws attention to the dangers of chemical attacks, which are rare but devastating forms of violence. Unlike firearms or knives, chemicals like sulfuric acid are not regulated as weapons, yet they can cause catastrophic harm. This case may prompt discussions about the accessibility of hazardous substances and the need for stricter controls on their distribution, particularly in domestic settings where they can be weaponized.
Furthermore, the premeditated nature of the attack—evidenced by He’s confession, the acquisition of the acid, and the barricading of the door—underscores the importance of understanding the psychology of violent offenders. While the motive remains under investigation, the combination of marital strife, prior domestic incidents, and the timing of the divorce hearing suggests a complex interplay of emotions and intentions.
Mental health evaluations and support systems could play a role in identifying individuals at risk of committing such acts and providing them with alternatives to violence. The legal proceedings against Chuanying He will likely attract significant attention as the case moves forward.
Prosecutors will need to prove premeditation beyond a reasonable doubt, relying on the physical evidence, He’s confession, and witness testimonies. The defense may explore factors such as mental health or provocation, though the severity of the crime and He’s admission of intent present significant challenges. The outcome of the trial will not only determine He’s fate but also send a message about accountability in cases of domestic violence and extreme cruelty.
In conclusion, the arrest of Chuanying He for the murder of her husband, Robert Heyden, is a tragic and sobering case that has left a lasting impact on the New Port Richey community. The deliberate use of sulfuric acid, the history of domestic issues, and the context of an impending divorce paint a complex picture of a marriage gone horribly wrong.
As the legal process unfolds, this case serves as a call to action for communities, law enforcement, and policymakers to address the root causes of domestic violence, improve access to resources, and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The memory of Robert Heyden, whose life was cut short in such a horrific manner, underscores the urgency of these efforts.