Heather Gumina case: Criminal complaint reveals possible motive in California mother's death

The husband of Heather Gumina Waters, whose remains were found by authorities in California on Friday, may have killed her to stop her "from testifying in a criminal proceeding," according to court documents.

Anthony Gumina, 44, appeared in court Wednesday after his 33-year-old wife's body was found at a property in the Pleasant Valley area of El Dorado County, bringing the months-long search for the missing mother of three to a close.

Court documents obtained by KTXL reveal Gumina had a history of violence toward his wife, who he married in February, and others, including a former business partner.

In January 2019, Gumina was charged after head-butting Heather and tackling her as she was holding her 4-year-old son, the station reports, citing an El Dorado County probation violation report. During the incident, Gumina also allegedly kicked down a door and took the victim's phone to prevent her from calling for help.

In February 2017, Gumina and his father allegedly went to the home of a former business partner and threatened to kill him and burn down his house, kicking in the door and pushing the victim to the ground in the process. Court records showed both men tested positive for opioids and methamphetamines at the time of their arrest.

Most recently, Gumina was accused of breaking his wife's collarbone the day before she and her vehicle were reported missing on July 16. However, it remains unclear which incident prosecutors allege Heather was set to testify about.

Gumina is currently being held in the El Dorado County jail without bail, according to KCRA. His arraignment has been continued until Sept. 26.