Jury selection begins today in a murder case with so many tawdry angles that it left many residents in Weld County wondering about the integrity of those sworn to protect and serve.
It began with the execution-style slaying of Heather Garraus, an assistant manager of the Colorado State Employees Credit Union in Greeley on Jan. 23, 2007, allegedly by Weld County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher Shawna Nelson.
The ensuing investigation soon unraveled a tale of illicit sex, jealousy, alleged coverups and threats of murder, all involving members of the Weld County sheriff’s and Greeley police departments.
“It’s taken a soap opera-like tone,” said University of Northern Colorado political science professor Steve Mazurana. “And it’s made many people question that maybe there is a lack of discipline in the sheriff’s department (and the Greeley police).”
“Sheriff’s deputies and police officers have to be purer than pure,” Mazurana said. “But these are human beings, and emotions like love and hate can interfere with one’s job.”
Today in Larimer County District Court, Nelson, 36, faces a first-degree murder charge and possible life in prison for allegedly shooting Garraus.
Garraus, 37, was the wife of Greeley police Officer Ignacio Garraus. Nelson is the wife of Weld sheriff’s investigator Ken Nelson. The two have separated.
Shawna Nelson, investigators say, was angered that Ignacio Garraus wanted to break-off his 2- to 3-year affair with her and not accept custody of the child the couple produced. She was so angered that she wanted to kill Heather Garraus, prosecutors say.
Nelson allegedly sent threatening messages to Ignacio Garraus including one on Dec. 18, 2006, which said: “I loved u and trusted you and u f… me. Be prepared.”
Nelson supposedly plotted with former Weld deputy Michelle Moore to kill Heather Garraus. Prosecutors also are expected to show that Nelson had a pattern of getting into sexual affairs with different law officers and then threatening their wives.
Moore faces a separate charge of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder.
Ken Nelson faces a charge of trying to get rid of the handgun used to kill Heather Garraus.
Both Ken Nelson and Ignacio Garraus have left their respective departments and the state.
The trial — which is being held in Larimer County because of conflict-of-interest worries in Weld County — is expected to last two weeks. The prospective witnesses include more than 60 current or former Greeley police officers or Weld sheriff’s deputies.
Monte Whaley: 720-929-0907 or mwhaley@denverpost.com
