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Woman accused of shooting, killing ex-husband appears in court

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TEHACHAPI, Calif. — The Tehachapi woman accused of shooting and killing her ex-husband, appeared in court Friday afternoon and pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

Bail was set at one million dollars for 50-year-old Wendy Elizabeth Howard.

Officials say that Howard shot 57-year-old Kelly Rees Pitts in her home on Wednesday.

Tehachapi PD says Pitts suffered from multiple gun shot wounds. He was transported to Kern Medical where he ended up dying from his injuries.

A neighbor and friend of Pitts told 23ABC that he had seen police officers at Howard's residence on four separate leading up to the shooting.

According to court documents, Howard filed a restraining order against Pitts, citing domestic violence, in 2006.

Howard's next hearing is scheduled for July 29 at 9 a.m.

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