Calhan residents react to shooting

A woman accused of murder faced a judge Tuesday.

Heather Neville, 59, made her first appearance – and was told she could face a charge of first degree murder.

Neville didn’t say a word to the judge but she has obtained a public defender.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office still hasn’t released the name of Monday’s shooting victim, but the news has left the town in shock.

While she was silent, residents in Calhan have been vocal with their disbelief.

“We saw the police cars go through then saw an ambulance go through, then another ambulance go through. knew something was going on,” said Brent Schoussee, a resident and owner of Accolade Homes in Calhan.

Neighbors believe the shooting may have happened over a septic tank.

“You’ve gotta make sure you have proper sanitation, trash disposal, water source for them,” he said.

Other neighbors said Neville was a tenant and she complained about her landlord not giving her access to a tank.

The fight escalated, and that’s when the shooting occurred.

“I don’t know what they might’ve been doing. If they had RVs staying there, other people staying there, you have to have a septic system that can handle the extra people,” he said.

Under El Paso County Health Department regulations, landlords have an obligation to provide basic services due to health department regulations.

Her children are staying with family.

Her next court appearance is Sept. 25.