Did your neighbor call the Sheriff’s office and try to obtain the key? Also, why not just call the local dept. and let them know the situation so if someone did see you guys breaking in and called the cops they would know it’s kosher. The guy who shot the scum did call 911 first. Besides, I’m pretty sure the neighbors already knew some of what was going on already.
Landlords are expected to have some gumption. Getting their own doors open is their problem, not the Sheriff's.