THERMOPOLIS — A Thermopolis Police Department sergeant who triggered a shootout that left the officer hurt and a local man dead two years ago resigned, effective Tuesday.
The Thermopolis Town Council during its regular Tuesday meeting accepted the resignation of Sgt. Mike Mascorro, who has been a controversial figure since at least April 28, 2023, when he broke into a home, leading to the shootout that killed Buck Laramore, 33, inside Laramore’s home.
“We thank him for his service and wish him the best as he seeks new opportunities,” Thermopolis Mayor Adam Estenson said on behalf of the council.
Mascorro’s resignation comes eight days after Laramore’s wife and mother filed a federal wrongful death lawsuit against the police department and Mascorro.
Mascorro suspected Laramore of meth possession but had only grounds to recommend a charge of police interference on April 28, 2023, after finding meth at the McDonald’s restaurant where Laramore worked.
Though advised to give Laramore a ticket for interference, Mascorro went to the man’s home, engaged in a shouting match at the door, and broke in.
Laramore shot Mascorro through the lung. Mascorro fired back, killing Laramore — as Laramore’s wife screamed frantically nearby.
Mascorro is not criminally culpable for killing Laramore under Wyoming law, because of an exception to the self-defense castle doctrine protecting police officers acting on the job, according to a decision letter issued late that summer by special prosecutor Danny Erramouspe.
Still, concluded Erramouspe, Mascorro entered the man’s home illegally.
Lone Nay
The council went into executive session for about a half hour Tuesday, closing its doors to six members of the public but keeping Thermopolis Police Chief Pat Cornwell inside the council chambers.
The executive session was to discuss litigation and “employment,” according to an early meeting agenda change proposed by Estenson.
Though the contents of the executive session could not be heard from the outside, council members at times displayed tense body language through the chambers’ transparent glass windows.
Council Member Rachel Hughes became animated, raising her voice.
Hughes was the lone nay vote against accepting Mascorro’s resignation. Earlier in the meeting, she questioned the police chief about how people, particularly non-residents, can submit complaints to the police department.
After the meeting, she said she was unable to comment.
“They won’t let me,” she said.
Wyoming laws generally forbid government board members from discussing specific personnel matters publicly.
The council called the public back into the meeting room, and Estenson said he’d entertain a motion to accept Mascorro’s resignation.
Council Member Tony Larson made the motion.
Member John Dorman Sr. seconded it.
Mascorro did not respond Tuesday to a request for comment sent via social media.
Board members also confirmed during the meeting that the Thermopolis Police Department has taken down its Facebook page.
This is due to a town “policy review phase” pertaining to social media, Estenson told Cowboy State Daily.
