Abilene resident frustrated with squatters invading neighbor’s property

ABILENE, Texas ( KTAB/KRBC ) — The issue of squatters invading vacant homes in Abilene is not new. One Abilene man said it’s happening to the home he lives next to and is fed up with the mess and tents that pop up from time to time.

On the corner of Green and State Street near Abilene High, among the trash overflowing into the alley, there is a tent. A man in the tent told our reporter that he had been there for about a week and didn’t know if anyone lived in the house. While our reporter was there, another person quickly gathered her belongings and left the area.

Rich Heylin bought a home near Abilene High School about six years ago. Since then, his neighbor has passed away, and people have moved into the backyard. He said he is surprised that this is happening at a home so close to an AISD school, and he just does not know what to do anymore.

“There are like 8 people there at a time, in and out all day long. I don’t know what they are doing, and I don’t care, but you can tell that they are not doing something right,” Heylin shared.

The city has opened several cases on this property. Just this month, a case was opened for accumulated junk and trash on the property.

• January 13, 2023 – Accumulation of junk/trash/refuse – The City cleaned the property and billed the owner
• February 6, 2023 – Junk Vehicle on the property – Tagged vehicle with a 30-day tag, and the vehicle was removed by the owner
• September 18, 2023 – Found that the property was in the same condition as before with accumulation of junk/trash/refuse – Filed Criminal Complaint against the homeowner
• June 18, 2024 – Property sold in tax sale
• July 16, 2024 – Case created for the Accumulation of junk/ trash/refuse for the new property owner who lives out of town – waiting for the return of certified mail

However, the property was sold last month, and the new owner, who lives out of town, has to start the process over again.

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