WOMAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY IN NEW YEAR'S EVE SLAYING.

Byline: Eric Leach Staff Writer

A 44-year-old woman accused of fatally shooting her husband after a New Year's Eve argument in their upscale Agoura Hills neighborhood pleaded not guilty Tuesday to murder.

April Michelle Soma was being held without bail in the slaying of Michael Soma, 34, who authorities said was shot several times in the upper torso about 9:50 p.m. Dec. 31. Police found his body lying in the front yard of a neighbor's home in the 28000 block of Via Amistosa.

``There was a lot of confusion. It was awful,'' said Arora Rohn, who was hosting a New Year's Eve party next door when one of her guests reported hearing gunshots.

Rohn said she later heard April Soma screaming, ```I can't believe what I did. I can't believe what I did.' She repeated it several times.''

Sheriff's homicide investigators refused to comment about the case.

Rohn and other neighbors said the couple had lived there about four years and had a son who was about 18 months old.

The Somas' home was well maintained inside and out, and Michael Soma, a woodworker, had made much of the couple's furniture, neighbors said.

Eric Leach, [phone]

eric.leach(at)dailynews.com