Man sentenced 24 years on one-year anniversary of deadly road rage shooting

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The man charged with second-degree murder in a deadly road rage incident in June 2025 was sentenced to 24 years in the Department of Corrections Friday, June 26.

Exactly one year earlier, Matthew Helberg tragically lost his life in a road rage shooting in Colorado Springs.

According to witness interviews from the arrest affidavit, the incident started over a comment from Howard’s friend about Matthew’s loud car exhaust. The three men then reportedly pulled over in separate vehicles, where a verbal altercation turned physical, according to the arrest affidavit.

This is when police say Howard fired seven shots at Matthew in what he said was defense of his friend’s life. Matthew’s friend refuted this, saying he was not in fear, according to the arrest affidavit.

According to online court records, Howard Heyliger pleaded guilty to the killing of Matthew Helberg on March 10.

Matthew’s fiancée, Sirena, spoke at the sentencing hearing on Friday, she was also in the car that night and told the judge it’s something she relives over and over again.

Howard's guilty plea for second-degree murder allowed the judge to hand down a sentence of 20-32 years. Matthew’s mother said 24 years wasn't enough.

“I am disheartened. Completely shattered and disheartened. I don’t think that the sentence that was handed down reflects the full aggravation of the case," said Alisha Helberg, Matthew's mother.

She gave advice to drivers on what they should do if they encounter road rage, so that what happened to her son doesn’t happen again.

“When you drive the streets, breathe before you leave," Alisha said. "And make sure you are taking your best care to not provoke the situation. Don’t get out of the car.” 

During the hearing, Howard told the judge today that this was the worst decision of his life.

KRDO13 spoke with Howard's attorney ahead of the sentencing, and he said he had no comment on the case.

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