11th Anniversary November 3rd, 2017

December 2011 - Dear Friends and Family,

As the New Year begins, we are at the end of our long fight for Justice for Justine. As you know, Eric Abshire was convicted of First Degree Murder on October 25, 2011. We have one more step in this long, painful journey.
The jury that convicted Eric recommended life in prison, but the final decision belongs to the Judge in the case, Hon. Daniel Bouten. The hearing and final sentencing will be held on January 12 at 1:30 at the Orange County Courthouse in Orange County, Virginia. We will, of course, attend, and know that those of you who are unable to attend this very important hearing will be with us in spirit.

At the hearing, only Justine's immediate family will be allowed to give victim impact statements. We will have the opportunity to provide testimony about how the loss of her has impacted our lives. We know that Justine touched many of you in the same way. If you would like to share your own experience about what the loss of Justine has meant to you and your families, you may send a letter which will be presented to the Judge at the hearing.

Letters must be received by the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office by January 10, and should be addressed to:

The Hon. Judge Daniel Bouten
Orange County Circuit Court

Please mail them to

Diana H Wheeler
Orange County Commonwealth's Attorney
110 North Madison Road, Suite 220
PO Box 310
Orange, Virginia 22960

For those that have walked with us this entire time, we appreciate your love and support. This is one last time to tell the Judge what the loss of Justine meant to all of us and to make sure Justice for Justine is upheld.

Heidi, Stephen and Lauren Swartz

Justice Served for Justine Swartz Abshire

Orange County Court finds Eric Abshire Guilty of First Degree Murder

ORANGE, Va. – October 26, 2011 – Nearly five years to the day of her death, justice was finally served yesterday in the murder of 27-year-old Justine Swartz Abshire. In a trial that ended at the Orange County, VA courthouse, Eric Abshire was convicted of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

"We always had faith that this be the eventual outcome and are in many ways relieved to have this behind us. We are also acutely aware of how much we owe to so many people, from Diana Wheeler and the Commonwealth attorney’s office, to Special Agents Mike Jones, Dennis Dodson and Virginia State police, to the members of the jury who dedicated their time to hearing the details of this case, as well as countless friends, family and supporters. We thank each and every one for the time, energy and perseverance required to solve the mystery of our daughter’s death," said Stephen Swartz, Justine's father.

After Eric Abshire’s account of the events of the night of the alleged hit-and-run accident became suspicious, investigators with the Virginia State Police, led by Special Agent Mike Jones, launched a thorough investigation into the manner and circumstance of Justine’s death. According to prosecutors the investigation concluded that based on a comprehensive review of the scene on Taylorsville Road in Barboursville, VA, a full autopsy of Justine’s body and injuries, forensic tests and witness testimony, Justine was indeed the victim of a calculated and purposeful murder by her husband of five months, Eric Abshire.

"While this outcome is bittersweet, we are filled with relief and gratitude that justice has been done. It has been a long and painful road for everyone. Now we can look to the future and begin to heal," added Heidi Swartz, Jusine’s mother.

About Justine Swartz Abshire

Justine Elizabeth Abshire was a 27-year-old much loved and respected kindergarten teacher at Emerald Hill Elementary in Culpepper, Virginia. She was born to Stephen and Heidi Swartz on February 6, 1979 in Minneapolis, Minn. She spent her high school years with her family in the Charlottesville, Virginia area, completed her undergraduate studies at James Madison University and had just begun her graduate work in elementary education at the University of Virginia. She was sister to Lauren Swartz. Though her death is a tragic loss to all who knew and loved her, the conviction of her perpetrator, husband of five months Eric Abshire, to a life sentence without parole brings with it the comfort that justice has been served. For more information about Justine, visit the Justice for Justine website at http://www.justiceforjustine.com or join Justine’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/63568211347/.

"ORANGE COUNTY, VA – October 12, 2011. Justine Swartz Abshire was killed on November 3, 2006 on Taylorsville Road in Barboursville, Virginia in what was first reported as a hit-and-run accident. She suffered 113 blunt trauma injuries including 23 to her head. A four year investigation by led by the Virginia State Police culminated in the December 2010 with the arrest of Justine's husband, Eric Abshire, who was charged with First Degree Murder. His trial begins today in Orange, VA.

Take a moment, light a candle, think of Justine and have faith that justice will be done. Please also take a moment write your own remembrance in our guest book (see link below)."

ABC News Primetime Crime Program Featured Justine's Story

On Wednesday July 30th, 2008 ABC aired a one hour special investigative report on the circumstances surrounding Justine's death. Her family and friends welcomed this coverage. Go to the following link or to the "Primetime" section of the ABC website for more on the program. (Read Article)