The suspect and victim involved in a deadly road rage shooting on East Platte Avenue have been identified.
Colorado Springs Police said the incident began when two drivers got into a dispute and pulled over. Three vehicles in total stopped, and the drivers stepped out, leading to a verbal argument that escalated into a physical fight.
One of the drivers, 31-year-old Howard Heyliger, allegedly pulled out a gun and shot 39-year-old Matthew Helberg, who died at the scene.
Both Heyliger and the other driver were taken to the Police Operations Center for questioning. Heyliger was later arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 8.
The El Paso County Coroner will confirm the official cause and manner of Helberg’s death, but police are treating the case as a homicide. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact Colorado Springs Police at (719) 444-7000 or Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers at (719) 634-7867.
This marks the 19th homicide in Colorado Springs in 2025. By this time in 2024, there had been 21.
Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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