CASPER — A local woman shot and killed by police April 28 may have lured officers to her house and provoked the shooting, the Casper Police Department reports in a Wednesday update about the incident.
Jody Renee Cobia was killed in the early morning hours after police responded to a 911 call reporting an active burglary. But when they arrived, offices were met at the door by Cobia dressed as the reported burglar and holding a weapon. When she raised the weapon, officers responded by firing at her, the report says.
Casper Police Department Capt. Jeremy Tremel also reports that Cobia had a large dog at her side, shouted at officers and raised her weapon at them.
“In response to being threatened with a firearm, officers discharged their weapons striking Cobia,” Tremel reports. “Officers thoroughly and systematically cleared the residence in an attempt to identify any other individuals or threat.”
The dispatch center received a call at 12:01 a.m. about a residential burglary in progress at the home at 1623 S. McKinley. Cobia identified herself in the call and told the dispatcher that a burglar dressed in all black who was “armed and dangerous” was breaking into the residence and the back room of the home, the report says.
She urged officers to hurry.
As dispatchers tried to gather more information from her, Cobia disconnected the call.
Court records show that Cobia had been served divorce papers April 14 and that her children had been removed from the residence.
Tremel said in his report that the investigation so far has revealed “no evidence of a burglar, and it appears as if Jody Cobia made the call to elicit the response.”
Three police officers involved in the incident remain on administrative leave.
Ongoing Investigation
The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation continues to work the case, as is standard in officer-involved incidents.
A DCI officer Wednesday said the department could not release information about the weapon Cobia reportedly had and that it continues to be an ongoing investigation.
A call to Tremel was not immediately returned.
Casper Police Chief Shane Chaney is quoted in his department’s report as asking for patience from the community.
“We understand this incident has deeply impacted our community and those directly involved and that waiting for answers can be difficult,” Chaney said. “We are committed to sharing information as soon as the process allows.”
Wednesday’s report says that any determination about the use of force and discharge of weapons in the incident will ultimately be up to the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office following the DCI investigation.
An obituary posted on the Casper Newcomer Funeral Homes website described Cobia as a person with a “vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to her family.”
“Jody’s playful personality shone brightly through her mildly laidback demeanor and ever-present wit,” the obituary says. “Always ready for a good-natured spar with her children, she had an unparalleled talent for bringing laughter into ordinary moments, leaving an imprint of joy wherever she went.”
The obituary lists four children and her husband, Aren, as survivors, and well as a father and brother.
Court Records
Court records show that Jody Cobia and her husband had been estranged, and that Aren Cobia had filed for divorce April 14, asking for custody of three minor children.
Jody Cobia also had a protection order in place against her husband that was filed Aug. 5, 2024, and effective through Aug. 5, 2025.
Jody Cobia was a native of Phoenix, Arizona, and graduated from high school there, her obituary says, adding that she was a creative and “caring” person.
“She found joy in making candles, soap, and bath bombs, weaving warmth and light into the lives of those around her,” it says. “Her hobbies blossomed into not just crafts, but heartfelt gifts for family and friends that spoke to her caring nature.”
A comment in the funeral home’s online guestbook from a woman named “Cindy” says she had “worked with Jody and her family for many years” characterized her as focused on her children.
“Jody tried to be the very best mom she could be to her children, despite the difficulties and challenges of life she faced,” she wrote. “Although Jody put up many walls to protect herself, she was a kind and caring soul if you could get past them.”
Dale Killingbeck can be reached at dale@cowboystatedaily.com.
