HOUSTON — Sitting next to an attorney discussing criminal charges is something 75-year-old Barbara Blue told us she never would have imagined.
"Never in my wildest dreams," Blue said. "It’s been traumatic.”
The former nurse who also served in the Marines as a young woman said she’s now fighting for her potential freedom and reputation.
“I’ve heard a lot of lies told about me, but the truth will come out,” Blue said.
Blue is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the June 27 shooting of 66-year-old neighbor Daryl Evans in the Fort Bend County area of Houston.
Evans' family claims Blue constantly harassed them about HOA rules and other things ever since they moved in across the street but Blue and attorney James Rivera claim Evans was the issue and even threatened Blue the day of the deadly confrontation.
"Ms. Blue said, 'Back off, back off,” Rivera said. "Scared to death, she had a pistol, he would not back off, she shot.”
Rivera called it a clear case of self-defense that every Texan has a legitimate right to under the law. But during a news conference Monday, the Evans family called for a murder charge against Blue who’s currently living with her brother, Ron.
“I’m hoping that the truth comes out and that, you know, she’s able to live whatever life she has left peacefully,” Ron Blue said.
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It's a life that took a dramatic turn the seemingly mild-mannered retiree never expected.
"Never like this, never," Blue said.
Blue's initial bond of $400,000 was later reduced to $75,000.
Bond conditions include not returning to her home of more than 40 years as to avoid any other potential conflict.