Dispute over fireworks leads to fatal shooting in Aurora

AURORA, Colo. (KDVR) -- An Independence Day dispute over fireworks led to a fatal shooting in Aurora on Thursday.

According to the arrest affidavit, a man and woman who work for the Department of Corrections became upset when a 14-year-old boy, 9-year-old girl and their mother began lighting fireworks at an apartment complex on East Alameda Place.

Scott Mathews and his girlfriend Katherine O'Neal argued with the group, saying that the fireworks scared their dog. Both were armed with handguns when they confronted the woman and her children.

Mathews allegedly head-butted the children's mother and pointed his gun at her while yelling profanities, she told police. She admitted to throwing her drink at Mathews.

The woman's boyfriend, Jaharie Wheeler, came out of his apartment to find his girlfriend bleeding, according to the affidavit.

The two men began arguing and the affidavit said that Wheeler threw a punch at Mathews, who then drew his gun and shot Wheeler in the chest, killing him.

Mathews was was arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder the following day. His bond was set at $100,000 and a hearing to file charges is set for Wednesday.