Statement from the church:
"We were completely shocked to find out that Jonathan Holt, an irregular attendee of our meetings, was arrested and would be in any way tied to this case as a suspect," the church statement said. "Jehovah's Witness regard life as precious, a gift from God. We had no indications that would lead us, prior to this event that he would be capable of being involved in what is alleged to have happened."
This article also states "Church leaders said they know 'none of the details of what took place after (Heichel's) abduction.'"
The two things that stand out to me is that he did not attend church regularly so the acquaintance label makes a bit more sense. Also, the reference to an abduction seems to confirm that she did not willingly let him in her car.
I'm so shocked by the cause of death being announced as gunshot wounds. I expected something much more personal.
http://www.kptv.com/story/19880806/murder-suspect-whitney-heichel-attended-same-church