A Boulder County couple who killed an armed intruder had hired him several years ago to do some work on a vehicle at their home and shared the same attorney, authorities said today.
The attack at the home of Becci Starr and her husband, Scott Mattes, was not random, sheriff’s officials said.
Evans Sussman, 41, was identified Wednesday as the man who forced his way into the couple’s home the night of Oct. 3.
Starr beat him with a baseball bat and Mattes stabbed him to death with Sussman’s own knife during a struggle at the front door, authorities said.
Mattes hired Sussman to do sheet metal work on a vehicle at his Poorman Road home in Boulder County several years ago, authorities said.
During that time, Sussman told Mattes he was going through a divorce and Mattes referred him to Howard Bittman, his personal attorney, sheriff’s officials said. Bittman did not return phone calls for comment.
Sussman divorced his wife in 2002, according to court records.
It’s not clear why Sussman, who owned his own neon sign business, rode his bicycle to the couple’s home armed with a knife, a toy gun and rope.
However, sheriff’s investigators learned Sussman was having financial problems.
He had been served twice in November 2004 and June by Boulder County sheriff’s deputies concerning financial matters.
An additional civil case was filed against Sussman in September, but sheriff’s deputies never had a chance to serve him.
Numerous creditors have been trying to get a hold of Sussman, authorities said.
Authorities used dental records to find out who Sussman was because he didn’t have identification at the scene of the crime.
The investigation into the home invasion and homicide is ongoing, but the Boulder County District Attorney declined to prosecute Starr and Mattes because they feared for their safety and had a right under Colorado law to defend themselves.
When asked if authorities still believe Mattes and Starr were defending themselves, sheriff’s Lt. Joseph Gang said, “absolutely.”
Sussman did not have a criminal history with the exception of minor traffic offenses, according to a national search of court records.
The night of the home invasion, Starr answered a knock at the door from Sussman, who identified himself as “Boulder County Police.” When she opened the door, she saw Sussman was wearing a mask that revealed only his eyes. He was armed with a knife and a plastic water gun.
Starr grabbed a baseball bat she kept behind the door and swung at Sussman as he walked inside. Her husband tackled Sussman and stabbed him with the knife until he stopped resisting.
Mattes tried to resuscitate Sussman while his wife called 911 for help.
Staff writer Felisa Cardona can be reached at 303-820-1219 or at fcardona@denverpost.com.
Staff writer Jim Kirksey contributed to this report.
