The Case of Shauna Nelson

Overview

• Shauna Nelson: Former police dispatcher.
• Ken Nelson: Sheriff's deputy, Shauna's husband.
• Ignacio Garis: Greeley Police officer, had an affair with Shauna.
• Heather Garis: Ignacio's wife, credit union assistant manager.
• Michelle Moore: Sheriff's deputy, Shauna's best friend.
• *Incident Date: January 23, 2007

Early Life and Career

• Shauna completed her nursing studies and began working as a police dispatcher in 1992.
• Met Ken Nelson at Weld County Sheriff's Office; married in 1996; two children.
• Shauna transferred to Greeley Police Department.
• Became friends with Michelle Moore and Ignacio Garis.

Marital Issues and Affair

• Both Shauna and Ignacio faced dissatisfaction in their marriages.
• Shauna and Ignacio's relationship evolved from bonding to an affair.
• Ignacio didn't want to leave Heather despite the affair.
• Shauna pressured and blackmailed Ignacio to continue the affair.

Key Events Leading to the Murder

Shauna and Ignacio's Relationship

• Shauna got pregnant with Ignacio's child; they opted for an abortion.
• Ignacio's wife, Heather, unaware of the affair.
• Shauna kept a journal detailing the affair, found by Ken.
• Ken gave Shauna an ultimatum; they divorced but later reconciled.

Harassment and Tensions

• Shauna harassed Heather in public when Heather found out.
• Shauna sent threatening messages to Ignacio and Heather.

The Murder

• Date: January 23, 2007
• Victim: Heather Garis
• Method: Shot twice after being forced to kneel; suspect in disguise.
• Eyewitnesses: Described suspect's outfit and vehicle involved.
• Suspect: Shauna Nelson, seen using Ken's truck.
• Arrest: Shauna pulled over by Ken, wearing his clothes.

Investigation

Crime Scene and Initial Evidence

• PMC .40 caliber casings found.
• Tire marks near the crime scene matched Ken's truck.
• Items found in Ken's truck (camo jacket, cell phone, gloves, CD, ammo).
• Gunshot residue in the vehicle; Halloween mask found.

Shauna's Interrogation

• Conducted by Detective Greg Tharp; Shauna claimed confusion and innocence.
• Shauna's alibi included legitimate activities corroborated by camera footage.

Further Evidence

• Detectives found additional evidence after searching Shawna and Ken's house.
• Michelle Moore eventually admitted to giving Shauna advice on evading capture.
• Detailed Michelle and Shauna's discussions and planning for the murder.

Legal Proceedings

Charges and Arrests

• Shauna: Charged with first-degree murder.
• Michelle: Charged for assisting the murder (later pled guilty).
• Ken: Initially charged for removing the weapon from the vehicle.

Trial

• Ignacio Testimony: Confirmed relationship with Shauna; exposed threatening messages.
• Michelle Testimony: Highlighted Shauna's harassment of Heather and planning details.
• Shauna claimed Michelle framed her out of anger.

Verdict

• Shauna found guilty of first-degree murder.
• Sentence: Life imprisonment without parole.
• Ken: Took custody of all three children.
• Michelle: Sentenced to nine years; released in 2016.
• Further Tragedy: Heather and Ignacio's daughter, Victoria, died in a car crash in 2015.

Conclusion

• Shauna remains in Denver Women's Correctional Facility.
• Michelle and Ignacio faced significant life changes post-trial.
• Shauna's actions led to severe consequences for multiple families.