The story of "Heather"

Shawna Nelson had a three-year affair with Ignacio Garraus, Heather Garraus’ husband, and the relationship resulted in a baby boy who will turn 2 in about two weeks. Nelson was a former dispatcher in Weld County and was married to Ken Nelson, a member of the Weld County Drug Task Force and a former sheriff’s investigator.

The affair ended in December 2006 after Ignacio Garraus confessed to his wife.

Prosecutors say Shawna Nelson viewed Heather Garraus as an obstacle to a lasting relationship between herself and Ignacio Garraus. Several witnesses have testified that Shawna Nelson hated Heather Garraus and some witnesses said Nelson confided that she wanted to get rid of her rival.Shawna Nelson had a three-year affair with Ignacio Garraus, Heather Garraus’ husband, and the relationship resulted in a baby boy who will turn 2 in about two weeks. Nelson was a former dispatcher in Weld County and was married to Ken Nelson, a member of the Weld County Drug Task Force and a former sheriff’s investigator.

Heather Garraus sat on her knees with her arms raised as a masked assailant shot her point-blank in the head twice, said witness Melinda Maeder Thursday in the Shawna Nelson’s murder trial.

Maeder choked back tears as she recalled the night of Jan. 23, 2007, when she watched Garraus die four feet away from her in the parking lot of Credit Union of Colorado, formerly Colorado State Employee’s Credit Union in Greeley.

Maeder, who worked with Garraus at the credit union, described the shooter as average height weighing around 160 to 200 pounds and wearing a “Halloween costume.”

“I saw a weapon pointed at Heather as she was getting down on the ground,” said Maeder looking as if she were sick as she recalled the memory in court.

“They were dressed in all black and told her to get on ground, then she was shot.”

Maeder was one of four witnesses present the night of the shooting who testified to what they witnessed.

During opening statements Thursday afternoon, the prosecution said Nelson shot Garraus twice in the head because she was jealous Garraus’ husband, Ignacio Garraus, would not leave his wife.

“There is not just DNA evidence, but friends too, like Michelle Moore. Moore will testify to this obsession with Ignacio. She will tell you that the defendant confided in her that she wanted Heather Garraus dead so the three of them could run off and live happily ever after,” said prosecutor Gregory Lammons.

Both the defense and prosecution agree Nelson and Ignacio Garraus had an "on again off again" affair for more than two years that resulted in Nelson having Ignacio Garraus’ child.

Shawna Nelson is now serving life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Ignacio Garraus has since moved to Florida with his daughter to flee the guilt of his decision that killed a mother, friend, and faithful wife. She will be missed.

Please feel free to read the entire story at:

http://www.fortcollinsnow.com/article/20080229/NEWS/626108527