[Lancey Howard]

All our easements are recorded in the landowner's deeds. And any repairs or upgrades are in the public's interest. This guy just lost it!

I think you missed this part:

Residents say officials grew dissatisfied with their existing easement, and announced they were going to excavate a new sewer line across the landowner's property.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

"I think you missed this part:"
Didn't miss it, just wished there were more details. I'd like to know exactly what they were arguing over for years. Were they arguing over a new easement? The old one? Was he being totally intractable? Did the public's need really need a new easement? Etc.. I think the local government totally screwed up. But killin' people certainly wasn't the answer. I've dealt with small town politicians for 30 years, and they can be complete jerks, and, I think, in this case they were. Just wish I had more details.