Crime & Courts
News
Friends Of Gillette Woman Killed By Half-Brother Protest His Self-Defense Claim
Family and friends of a Gillette woman killed by her half-brother in January showed up in force at the Campbell County Courthouse on Wednesday. They were there to protest the man’s self-defense claim.
Jen KocherJune 11, 2025
Text Scammers Target Wyomingites Posing As State Agencies
As the latest example in a growing trend of text scams that impersonate state agencies, residents are being targeted by fraudsters posing as the Wyoming Department of Transportation. It’s a fake ticket scheme that highlights how hackers have gotten smarter.
Zakary SonntagJune 11, 2025
Teton County Prosecutor Drops Voyeurism Charge From Carnival Incident
A Teton County prosecutor dropped a charge against a Texas man who was accused of trying to photograph a young girl’s private area during the carnival in Jackson last year. It’s not clear why the charge was dismissed.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2025
Gillette Teen Posts Threat To ‘Bomb The Pentagon’ — Pentagon Notices
A Gillette 18-year-old learned that even joking about bombing the Pentagon is a bad idea. He got a visit from local deputies Tuesday night after a Pentagon agent asked them to investigate the teen’s X post that said, “It’s time to bomb the … Pentagon.”
Greg JohnsonJune 11, 2025
Trailer Where Big Piney Man Killed In Bow-And-Arrow Ambush Catches Fire
The trailer in which a 23-year-old Big Piney man was shot and killed in a bow-and-arrow ambush in February caught fire Tuesday afternoon, authorities say. The fire doesn’t appear suspicious, and an investigation continues.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2025
'I'm The Terrible One': Moorcroft Man Accused Of Touching Girls During Church
A Moorcroft man faces up to 81 years in prison for the alleged sexual touching of multiple girls during church services more than a decade ago. The suspect confessed to a counselor and told an investigator that, "I'm the terrible one," court records say.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2025
Gillette Man To Face Attempted Murder Charge For Stabbing Brother-In-Law 8 Times
A former Gillette high school track coach said Tuesday that he won't fight extradition to Washington state to face an attempted first-degree murder charge. He’s accused of stabbing his brother-in-law eight times.
Jen KocherJune 10, 2025
Still No Sign Of Missing Sheridan Man After Two-Day Search With Cadaver Dogs
There’s still no sign of a Sheridan man who went missing more than a month ago. A two-day weekend search that included five K-9 teams and cadaver dogs turned up no new clues.
Jen KocherJune 10, 2025
Laramie County Deputies Can Investigate ICE Cases Under Federal Agreement
The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has empowered three jail deputies to conduct immigration investigations in coordination with federal authorities. It's the latest development in a larger trend of Wyoming sheriffs forging agreements with ICE.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2025
Three Women Left In Lawsuit Against Sorority Over UW Transgender Member
Three women renewed their lawsuit against a sorority Monday over a transgender member allowed in its Wyoming chapter. Seven women sued in 2023, one dropped out, and now three remain after an appeals court kicked it back to the lower court.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
Wife Of Suspected Fort Bridger Killer Not Guilty Of Helping Him Cover It Up
The wife of a man charged with killing another man in Fort Bridger last year said she was “scared” when she threw out the gun involved in the shooting. She talked to Cowboy State Daily on Monday, days after a jury found her not guilty of trying to help him cover it up.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
At Least 15 Union Pacific Railcars Off The Tracks At Walcott Junction
At least 15 Union Pacific railcars derailed Monday near Walcott Junction in central Carbon County, Wyoming, prompting responses from law enforcement, the railroad and the local power cooperative.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2025
Wyoming Supreme Court Kicks Cheyenne Hospital Lawsuit Back To Lower Court
The Wyoming Supreme Court on Thursday granted Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s motion to dismiss a lawsuit over a little girl's death. The ruling sends the lawsuit against the hospital back down to district court.
Justin GeorgeJune 05, 2025
Attempted Murder Charge For Gillette Man Accused Of Stabbing Brother-In-Law
A former Gillette coach and driver’s ed teacher was arrested Wednesday, accused of driving to Washington state and stabbing his brother-in-law multiple times. He’s wanted there on an attempted first-degree murder charge.
Jen KocherJune 05, 2025
Rock River Man Arrested After Trying To Silence Rooster With A Shotgun
The Albany County Sheriff's Office on Thursday arrested a man for outstanding warrants in Rock River while responding to a "shots fired" call. The man was trying to silence a rooster with a shotgun at 6:18 a.m. The rooster escaped unscathed.
Andrew RossiJune 05, 2025
Judge Dismisses Suit Of Wheatland Man Who Suffered Brain Damage In Jail
A federal judge dismissed the case of a Wheatland man who sued Platte County Sheriff’s Deputies for sending him to jail rather than the hospital despite his 0.357% blood-alcohol content. The man suffered a seizure and subsequent brain damage, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2025
Scammers Using Bitcoin ATMs To Steal Thousands From Wyomingites
A Jackson man scammed out of $7,500 wasn’t as lucky as a 78-year-old Gillette woman who narrowly avoided being taken for $22,000 at a bitcoin ATM on Saturday. Bitcoin is as easy to steal as cash, an expert says.
Greg JohnsonJune 04, 2025
Rock Springs Couple Accused Of Having Orgies With Teen To Plead No Contest
A Rock Springs man is facing life while his girlfriend could spend 35 years in prison after both agreed to plead no contest to charges that they had orgies and committed other sexual abuse with a teenager for more than a year.
Clair McFarlandJune 04, 2025
Campbell County Teen Who Stabbed Mom, Prompting Pig Raffle, Pleads Guilty
A Campbell County man faces 20 years to life in prison after he pleaded guilty last week to stabbing his mother in the back while she slept. To cover the cost of the $67,000 air ambulance ride, the family raffled off the man's pigs.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2025
Torrington Man Who Brutally Beat Ex As She Held Toddler Gets 20-25 Years
A Torrington man was sentenced to 20-25 years for the beating of his ex-girlfriend last year. She was holding the couple’s toddler when she was attacked. Also part of Andrew Atkinson's sentence was a strangulation charge pertaining to a different woman.
Clair McFarlandJune 02, 2025
North Dakota Woman Accused Of Stabbing Man In Neck While Driving
A North Dakota woman is facing attempted second-degree murder charges after Campbell County Sheriff's Investigators say she stabbed a driver twice in the neck. The woman was on her way to Las Vegas when the stabbing happened.
Jen KocherJune 02, 2025
Wyoming Supreme Court Considers Whether Cheyenne Hospital Liable For Girl’s Death
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center has challenged a lawsuit from the family of a 7-year-old girl, who died after being misdiagnosed. The hospital claims it has no liability because the doctors and nurses involved were contractors.
Justin GeorgeMay 30, 2025
Body Cam Video Shows Casper Woman Pointing Gun At Cops Before She Was Killed
A Casper woman opened her door with a gun in hand and raised it at police officers before she was shot and killed, according to Casper Police Department body cam video released Friday. “Where the **** are my children!” she screamed as she raised the gun.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Judge Dismisses Man's Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Against Cheyenne PD
A judge last week dismissed a lawsuit of an African American man who claims racial discrimination and physical aggression during a traffic stop by Cheyenne Police Department officers. He said they accused him of driving drunk when he'd had "not a drop."
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
He Almost Fell For It: Cheyenne Business Owner Exposes High School Sports Team Scam
The owner of a Cheyenne coffee shop almost fell for it, nearly buying a $310 sponsorship of a local high school sports team. But in checking out Elite Sports, he exposed it as a probable scam, even if a company rep insists it’s not.
Jen KocherMay 30, 2025
Husband Charged Six Months After Wife Found Dead In Their Star Valley Home
A Lincoln County man was arrested Tuesday after a six-month investigation into his wife's death. He's accused of attacking her during a drunken argument. The woman had secluded herself in her room after texting a friend that her husband had beaten her.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2025
Jury Takes 38 Minutes To Convict Montana Man Who Firebombed Neighbor With Truck
It took a jury 38 minutes to convict a Montana man who transformed his pickup into a firebomb on wheels. He drove it into his neighbor’s house in a deliberate attempt to kill.
David MadisonMay 30, 2025
Homeless Man Accused Of Stabbing In Bar Nunn After Bear-Sprayed During Fight
A 50-year-old homeless man pleaded not guilty Friday in Natrona County District Court to stabbing a 57-year-old Casper man. The violent confrontation included the suspect allegedly wielding a pipe, having several knives and getting bear-sprayed.
Dale KillingbeckMay 30, 2025
Riverton Man Gets 6-12 Years For Drunken Fight That Killed Cousin
A Fremont County man was sentenced Thursday to between six and 12 years in prison for drunkenly beating his cousin to death last March. “I was robbed,” wailed the mother of the victim during the court proceeding.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Cody Mom Accused Of Seeking Hit Man To Murder Daughter’s Boyfriend Deemed Sane
A murder trial is set for August for a Cody woman accused of trying to have her daughter’s boyfriend killed. A judge ruled that Wendy Coe, whose last trial derailed when she asked for a mental health evaluation, is mentally fit to stand trial.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Former Laramie High Schooler’s Lawsuit Over Masking Tossed For Second Time
A federal judge Wednesday dismissed the lawsuit of a former Laramie High School student who sued her local school district on claims that a 2021 mask mandate was unconstitutional. She was handcuffed and arrested on campus for refusing to comply with it.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2025
Child Porn Charges For Cheyenne Man Accused Of Sharing Videos Of Young Girls
A 27-year-old Cheyenne man who has an online handle of “the punk skater” faces child pornography charges. Court documents made available Tuesday say he allegedly had images and videos of young girls engaging in sexual acts with adults and an animal.
Dale KillingbeckMay 28, 2025
Cheyenne Man Repeatedly Put Gun To Teen’s Head Prior To Shooting, Court Records Say
A 21-year-old Cheyenne man repeatedly pulled a handgun from his waistband and put it to a 16-year-old boy’s head before shooting, according to court records. The man initially told investigators the discharge was a “fluke thing.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 28, 2025
Responders ‘Valiantly’ Tried To Save Man Who Died In Teton County Cabin Fire
The lone occupant of a cabin in Teton County was found dead early Wednesday morning after the cabin caught fire, authorities say. A sheriff’s deputy tried to rescue 28-year-old Rollie Wells Knori, but the fire and smoke wouldn’t let the deputy inside.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Prosecutor: More Charges Coming For Former Wheatland Teacher Accused In Sex Case
A former Wheatland teacher accused of sex crimes against a girl under 16 is expected to be charged in another criminal case involving a second alleged victim, a prosecutor said Wednesday. A judge also chose to keep Evan Whitt Bradley's bond at $500,000.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Judge Blocks Trump's 'Egregious' Order Against Wyoming Tribe's Lawyers
A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s order that sought to punish a law firm that represents the Northern Arapaho Tribe. The firm worked with someone who investigated Trump and supports causes he deems un-American.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2025
Gillette Man Guilty Of Exposing Genitalia To Kindergartener In Store Bathroom
A Gillette man could face up to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of exposing his genitalia to a 5-year-old boy in a Walmart bathroom. The jury convicted him last week after a three-day trial.
Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2025
No New Trial For Wyoming Trooper Who Raped Girlfriend
A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper serving 10-15 years in prison for raping his then-girlfriend in 2021 won’t get a new trial, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Friday. Among other claims, he challenged testimony about his “unconventional sexual fetishes.”
Clair McFarlandMay 27, 2025
Cheyenne Man Charged With Shooting Teen In Head While ‘Mishandling’ Handgun
A 21-year-old Cheyenne man was arrested Friday and in court Tuesday, more than two weeks after a 16-year-old was shot in the head. The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office reports both were “mishandling firearms and pointing loaded handguns at one another.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 27, 2025
Mysterious Clues Baffle Police, Family Of Sheridan Man Missing Nearly A Month
A series of mysterious clues hasn’t done much to point police or family to what happened to a 53-year-old Sheridan man missing nearly a month. He typically calls his daughter daily, but hasn’t since April 30 and missed her graduation Sunday.
Jen KocherMay 27, 2025
Collar Of Duty: Training Police K-9s To Serve And Protect Is No Walk In The Park
Getting K-9 officers up to snuff is no walk in the park, as a new class of canine cadets training with the Casper Police Department is learning. These dogs have become an essential asset in the work of interdiction as narcotics hit communities across Wyoming.
Zakary SonntagMay 25, 2025
Family Grows Desperate To Find Gillette Woman Missing More Than A Month
Kelsey Johnson left Gillette in a pickup with a man April 14 and has not been seen since. Her family is growing more desperate to find the 32-year-old, who has been traced to Colorado. "There are no words. It’s devastating,” her father said.
Jen KocherMay 24, 2025
Twice-Deported Man Accused Of Running 18,000 Rounds Of Ammo Still At Large
Federal authorities said Thursday they’re still seeking a twice-deported Mexican national accused of hauling 18,000 rounds of ammunition through Wyoming. He was released on bond in March, then didn’t show for his April 25 court hearing.
Clair McFarlandMay 24, 2025
Rock Springs Couple Who Lost Gender Transition Lawsuit Against School District Appeals
The Rock Springs couple lost a lawsuit claiming their local school district was hiding their daughter’s gender transition from them. They filed an appeal Friday to a higher court.
Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025
It’s 'Not Unique' For Criminals To Raid Crime Lab Shipments, DCI Chief Says
A Rawlins UPS worker has pleaded guilty to a felony for stealing drugs and other evidence destined for the Wyoming State Crime Lab. Having evidence stolen during transit is “not unique,” the state Division of Criminal Investigation chief told legislators this week.
Clair McFarlandMay 23, 2025
Couple Sues Teton County, Calls $24,000 Homebuilding Fee ‘Extortion’
A couple who paid a $24,325 fee to Teton County government to build a home on property they already owned is suing, calling the charge “extortion.” The fee also is an unconstitutional “taking” without compensation, the lawsuit claims.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Oregon Pilot Convicted Of Felony For Hitting Yellowstone Flagger With Jeep
A federal jury convicted a 67-year-old pilot from Oregon on Wednesday for shoving a flagger in Yellowstone National Park backward with his Jeep during a construction delay. He could get up to 20 years in prison and $250,000 in fines for the felony.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Deep Cuts To Department Of Education
A Massachusetts-based federal judge on Thursday blocked the president’s 2-month-old executive order slashing the U.S. Department of Education in half. The ruling also reinstates terminated department employees.
Clair McFarlandMay 22, 2025
Judge Removes Psychologist From Case Of Sheridan Man Accused In Mother's Death
A psychologist in the case of a Sheridan man accused of murdering his mother, voiced concerns that Israel Melvin was not fit to stand trial. A judge in the case dismissed the evaluator, saying he did not conduct the right test - which was whether the man was insane when his mother died.
Clair McFarlandMay 21, 2025
Cheyenne Man Caught On Call From Jail Trying To Arrange To Move His Meth Stash
A Cheyenne man learned the hard way last week that jailhouse calls are monitored when he was caught trying to arrange to have his meth stash moved. It’s an example of “meth around and find out,” said Sheriff Brian Kozak.
Greg JohnsonMay 20, 2025
Drunk Montana Man Trying To Impress Girls Caught Climbing On Jackson Antler Arch
A drunk Montana man was reportedly trying to impress girls by climbing on one of the famous antler arches at the town square in Jackson, Wyoming. He got a $100 ticket, and his dumb deed posted to social media.
Andrew RossiMay 19, 2025
Drug Dealer Wants His Fatal Fentanyl Overdose Conviction Overturned
A Greybull man convicted of manslaughter for dealing the fentanyl pills that led to another man’s fatal 2023 overdose now says he got bad advice. He wants his 15- to 20-year prison sentence overturned and another chance at trial or a new plea deal.
Clair McFarlandMay 19, 2025
Only 2 Other States Taken By Online Scammers More Than Wyoming, FBI Says
Perhaps it’s the trusting nature of Wyomingites that make them prone to internet scams. The FBI reports that scammers stole more than $43 million from Wyoming in 2024, 230% more than 2023. That makes Wyoming third per capita for losing money to scams.
Jen KocherMay 19, 2025
‘Unknown Male’ Steals Ambulance From Riverton Hospital, Escapes On Reservation
An "unknown male" stole an ambulance parked in front of a Riverton emergency room early Sunday. He fled onto the reservation, hitting a couple law enforcement vehicles, then escaped on foot.
Clair McFarlandMay 18, 2025
Mills Man Walked Out Of Church 15 Years Ago And Never Made It Home
Seth Uptain walked out of a Casper church 15 years ago and never made it home, leaving behind his wallet and belongings. The Mills, Wyoming, man’s disappearance remains a mystery that’s frustrated family, friends and local police.
Jen KocherMay 17, 2025
Fort Laramie Police Chief Charged With Lying On Car Title
The police chief of Fort Laramie is facing criminal charges for allegedly lying to get a vehicle title. His case started with a stop by a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper while driving a car with the wrong license plate.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Lawsuit Claims Wyoming Billionaire, 89, Propositioned Employees For Orgies
Hansjörg Wyss, an 89-year-old Teton County billionaire is being sued in a California court. He’s accused of repeatedly propositioning a woman and her husband who worked for his company to have orgies with him.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Casper Man Who Said One Of Two People He Stabbed Was An Accident Pleads Guilty
A 72-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Friday to stabbing a 41-year-old man in exchange for dropping a second charge for also stabbing a woman. He told police stabbing the woman was an accident.
Dale KillingbeckMay 16, 2025
ICE Arrests Wanted Illegal Mexican National In Casper Operation
ICE officers met with other federal agents just before 4 a.m. Thursday in Casper to plan the arrest of a wanted illegal Mexican National. In what the agency calls the first Wyoming ICE ride-along it knows of, Cowboy State Daily documented the operation.
Clair McFarlandMay 16, 2025
Casper Man, Drinking With Friend, Accused Of Pointing Loaded Pistol At Girls
A 20-year-old Casper man is accused of pointing a loaded 10 mm pistol at a group of three girls at a local skate park Tuesday. He was in court Wednesday, along with a friend he was allegedly drinking with at the time.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
Man With ‘Probable’ Mexican Cartel Ties Admits Dealing Meth On Wyoming Reservation
A Mexican national who admits being in the U.S. illegally and “probable” cartel ties has admitted dealing meth on Wyoming’s Wind River Reservation. It was part of a plea deal entered Thursday in U.S. District Court in Casper.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
Casper Serial Biter Who Barks Like A Dog Nearly Takes Off Tip Of Deputy’s Finger
A 39-year-old Casper man nearly bit off the tip of a deputy’s finger during his Tuesday arrest. Deemed a “serial biter” by prosecutors, he also barked like a dog during his initial court appearance Wednesday.
Dale KillingbeckMay 15, 2025
30,000 Candles Burn For Sheridan Police Officer, 147 Others Killed In 2024
Sheridan police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee was one of 148 U.S. law officers killed in the line of duty in 2024. They were honored by an estimated 30,000 people at a Tuesday candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C., including the Wyoming delegation.
Grace HansenMay 15, 2025
‘Put The Guns Away’ Pleads Family Of Casper Man Killed In Shootout
Casper authorities expect to file charges related to a Sunday night shooting involving the “mishandling” of a gun. Meanwhile, the family of a man killed in a separate Sunday shooting is pleading for local young people to “put the guns away.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 14, 2025
Bridget Hill Will Conflict Out Of About Half Of Wyoming Supreme Court Cases
It will be six to nine months before the Wyoming Supreme Court’s newest justice can participate fully. That’s because Bridget Hill, who will soon be sworn in as a justice, has represented the state on at least half the appeals the high court is hearing.
Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2025
Mom Accused Of Giving Guns To Sheridan Cop-Killer Gets Plea Agreement
The mother of a man who killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024, has a plea agreement with prosecutors over allegations she gave her son guns. The public can't see her plea since the federal authorities for Wyoming keeps those private.
Clair McFarlandMay 14, 2025
Montana Man Steals Shotgun, Ammo And Body Armor From Cop Cars
A 28-year-old man will spend three years in prison for his 10-day crime spree vandalizing and robbing law enforcement vehicles in Billings, Montana. Among the stuff he stole was a shotgun, ammunition and body armor.
David MadisonMay 14, 2025
Evanston Couple Get 6 Months For Child Abuse In Death Of Baby Found In Filth
An Evanston couple got six months in jail Tuesday for child abuse after the death of their 9-month-old. The sentence comes after a prosecutor conceded there wasn’t enough evidence that their filthy home or neglect associated with it killed the baby.
Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2025
Remains Found By Construction Workers In Cheyenne Field 7 Months Ago Identified
The remains of a man found by construction workers in a field just south of Cheyenne last October have been identified as Roy Arthur Moates of Laramie County. The discovery of his human remains prompted a two-day, 50-person search of the field.
Clair McFarlandMay 13, 2025
Wright Woman Accused Of Torturing Man For Three Days Pleads Insanity
A Wright woman accused of taping a man to a chair and torturing him for three days has entered an insanity plea. She claims in a court filing last week that she had “extreme paranoia” at the time.
Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2025
Casper Man Accused Of Having 30,000 Child Porn Files Pleads Guilty
A 48-year-old Casper man pleaded guilty Monday to eight charges involving child porn, including images involving sadomasochism and bestiality. He was accused of having more than 30,000 files of child porn and will get a maximum 16-year sentence.
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
‘Crime Bingo’ Results In 9 Montana Felony Cases Being Thrown Out
Nine felony cases connected to Bozeman, Montana, police officers playing “Crime Bingo” have been tossed by the local county attorney. The arrests could be tainted by the potential for officers to make them based on the game.
David MadisonMay 12, 2025
Casper Woman Heard Gunshots, Opened Apartment Door To Find Body At Her Feet
A woman living in an apartment complex in Casper said she heard gunshots in the apartment above hers Sunday night and a plea for someone to call 911. She ran to the door of her building to find the body of a masked man at her feet.
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
Court Gives Sorority Women 30-Day Deadline In Lawsuit Over Wyoming Trans Member
A Wyoming-based federal judge is giving the women suing their sorority for inducting a Wyoming transgender member 30 days to re-file their lawsuit or give up the case. The women's attorney told Cowboy State Daily they plan to refile the case.
Clair McFarlandMay 12, 2025
Casper Police Investigating Two Separate Shootings Sunday Night
Casper police on Sunday are investigating two unrelated shootings involving two victims at one scene and one at another. All three have been taken to the hospital
Dale KillingbeckMay 12, 2025
Richard Pitt: Wyoming Pilot And Vietnam Vet Who Smuggled Drugs For Pablo Escobar
Richard Pitt grew up in Thermopolis and lived a life straight out of 1980s drug-running movies like “Scarface.” Decades later, he’s coming clean while also divulging details of his sordid career smuggling for the likes of Pablo Escobar.
Jen KocherMay 11, 2025
Laramie County Man Gets Four Years For Mercy-Killing Friend
A Laramie County man was sentenced Friday to four years in prison, for mercy-killing his friend. Court documents say Switzer's friend had a pending criminal case for child pornography, had just increased his life insurance policy and made other end-of-life arrangements.
Clair McFarlandMay 11, 2025
Wyoming Hasn't Executed Anyone In 33 Years, But It's Tried
It's been 33 years since Wyoming Gov. Mike Sullivan stood in his office next to his priest, warring with himself over the execution of convicted serial killer Mark Hopkinson. The state hasn't executed anyone since that day — but it's tried.
Clair McFarlandMay 10, 2025
Teen Who Stabbed 14-Year-Old At Casper Mall Pleads Guilty To First-Degree Murder
The teen who killed a Casper 14-year-old at a local mall last year pleaded guilty Friday to first-degree murder. Bobby Maher was protecting his girlfriend when he was attacked by two other teens, one who held him down while the other stabbed him.
Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025
8-10 Years For Casper Teen Who Said ‘I Hope I Killed One’ After Shooting At Homes
A 15-year-old boy who shot into two Casper homes in separate incidents August got eight to 10 years in prison Friday. He reportedly told friends, “I hope I killed one.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 09, 2025
'Poor' Chance Of Settlement In Jackson Hospital Lawsuit Over Gangrene Death
A lawsuit brought against a Jackson-based hospital over the gangrene death of an illegal immigrant has a “poor” chance of reaching a settlement, according to a Thursday filing in the case.
Clair McFarlandMay 09, 2025
Wrong-Way Driver Shuts Down I-90 With Claim Of Bomb In Vehicle
A Gillette man drove the wrong way on Interstate 90 three times Thursday as he led law enforcement on a 70-95 mph chase. He then claimed there was a bomb in his vehicle, but it turned out to be a possibly drug-induced perception of loose and exposed wires.
Clair McFarland & Jen KocherMay 09, 2025
Feds Don't Believe Sheridan Cop Killer Stole Guns From His Mom
A federal prosecutor Wednesday voiced skepticism of a Wyoming woman’s claims that her son stole her guns before he killed a Sheridan police sergeant in February 2024. She’s accused of buying the guns for her son, who is a convicted felon.
Clair McFarlandMay 08, 2025
Men Accused Of Dumping Wyoming Oil Field Waste In Utah Face Multiple Felonies
A pair of oil field waste haulers are accused of trying to cut corners and pocket more money by dumping Wyoming oil field waste near a town in Utah. They face multiple felony charges.
David MadisonMay 08, 2025
Man Accused Of Trashing Kinnear Post Office Faces Less Time Under Federal Charge
Federal charges against the man arrested on suspicion of trashing the Kinnear post office may mean a lighter sentence compared to state charges. His case was moved to federal court Monday.
Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025
Friend Of Gillette Woman Missing More Than Two Weeks Fears For Her Safety
Gillette resident Kelsey Johnson, 32, was last seen April 14 getting into a pickup at a mobile home in Gillette, and her best friend is afraid for her safety. Johnson is believed to be in the Denver or Greeley area.
Jen KocherMay 07, 2025
Casper Police Say Woman Shot By Officers Answered Door With Weapon In Hand
A woman shot and killed by Casper police may have lured officers to her house and provoked the shooting, Casper police reported Wednesday. She called 911 to report a burglar, but apparently “made the call to elicit the response.”
Dale KillingbeckMay 07, 2025
Thermopolis Police Sergeant Who Triggered Fatal Shootout 2 Years Ago Resigns
The Thermopolis town council accepted the resignation of police Sgt. Mike Mascorro on Tuesday evening. Mascorro broke into a man’s home and triggered a fatal shootout two years ago. The man’s family sued Mascorro and the department last week.
Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025
Man Who Fled Wyoming After Wife Stabbed Him Gets Plea Agreement In Beating
A Moorcroft man accused of nearly killing his wife has agreed to plead "no contest" to two counts of aggravated assault. Michael Hammond Jr. was stabbed by his wife after he launched what court documents say was a brutal and prolonged attack on her.
Clair McFarlandMay 07, 2025
Judge Says UW Athletes Suing Over Trans Player Can’t Appeal His Pronoun Rule
A Colorado federal judge has denied a group of female college athletes, including three from the University of Wyoming, a chance to appeal his transgender pronoun usage rule. They also can’t challenge his involvement in the case.
Clair McFarlandMay 06, 2025
Prosecutor Says Teen Girl Accused In Bonfire Shooting Has Biker Gang Ties
A prosecutor's recent court filing says a 16-year-old girl accused of shooting two men in Sweetwater County should be tried as an adult, pointing to her suspected ties to an outlaw motorcycle gang. Her next court hearing is May 14.
Clair McFarlandMay 05, 2025
Accused Serial Killer Trucker Convicted In Tennessee, Now Headed To Wyoming For Trial
The Friday conviction of long-haul trucker Clark Perry Baldwin for murdering a woman in Tennessee clears the way for his return to Wyoming for trial. His DNA has linked Baldwin to two cold-case murders in the early 1990s.
Clair McFarlandMay 05, 2025
3 Casper Police Officers Remain On Leave After Woman Shot On Burglary Call
Three police officers remain on leave a week after a local woman was shot and killed during a burglary call, the Caper Police Department confirmed Monday. Meanwhile, the Division of Criminal Investigation says it’s investigating.
Dale KillingbeckMay 05, 2025
Parent Of Powell Teen Finds Stolen Highway Sign In Garage, Turns Son In
Teens stealing road signs isn’t unusual, but catching the culprits and getting the signs back is. Within 20 minutes of posting the theft of a large sign at the Buffalo Bill Dam tunnel, a teen boy from Powell was turned in by a parent.
Andrew RossiMay 04, 2025
Manhunt On After Murder Of Wyoming Man Shot In Michigan On Easter
John Lusch grew up in Rock Springs and Saratoga before moving to Michigan five years ago. A tow truck driver, he was shot and killed on Easter attempting to collect on a car sale. Police have identified four suspects and his mom thinks she knows who did it.
Jen KocherMay 03, 2025
Man Accused Of Stealing $14 Million In Gold And Silver Strikes Plea Deal
A Las Vegas man accused of stealing about $14 million in gold and silver from a relative’s home in Lincoln County, Wyoming, pleaded no contest this week to one count of felony theft.
Clair McFarlandMay 03, 2025
Wyoming Supreme Court Gives State, Not Teton County, The Win On Glamping Lease
The state of Wyoming can authorize two businesses to operate on state lands in Teton County — despite the county’s land use regulations — the Wyoming Supreme Court has ruled. That's because the state lands board authorized the business using a temporary use permit, not a long-term lease.
Clair McFarlandMay 02, 2025
Eyewitness Recounts "Very Horrific” Crash That Killed 7 Outside Yellowstone
A man who witnessed the aftermath of a fiery crash that killed seven people in Idaho just outside the west Yellowstone entrance in Montana on Thursday evening describes the scene as “very horrific.” State police are still investigating what caused the collision.
Clair McFarlandMay 02, 2025
Mom Of Sheridan Cop Killer Charged With Giving Him Guns Says He Stole Them
A woman charged with furnishing guns to her son, who then went on to shoot and kill a Sheridan police sergeant last year, says the government is withholding evidence that could show her son actually stole the guns from her.
Clair McFarlandMay 02, 2025
Fremont County Jelly-Maker Pleads Guilty To Transporting Meth From Las Vegas
A Riverton woman who sold homemade jelly at the Fremont County farmer’s market also was moving drugs, authorities say. She’s pleaded guilty to picking up meth and dumpster pot during a Las Vegas trip and bringing it back to Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandMay 01, 2025
Riverton Man Takes Gunshot Shrapnel While Confronting Suspected Burglars
Bobby Watts chased two burglars away from a Riverton business, helped deputies investigate, confronted one of the suspects on the road, and took some gunshot shrapnel to his upper arm Tuesday. Then he started his normal workday.
Clair McFarlandMay 01, 2025
Suspected Upton Bomb Maker Could Get Quadruple Prison Time As Feds Take Case
A man accused of setting a propane time-bomb at an Upton drilling yard has had his case switched from state court to federal. That means the potential five years in prison he could have gotten if convicted in state court has quadrupled.
Clair McFarlandMay 01, 2025
Cheyenne Man Gets 7-9 Years In Prison For Pistol-Whipping Casper Man
A 20-year-old Cheyenne man got seven to nine years in prison Thursday for pistol-whipping a Casper man and shooting at another after a drunken night of partying last August.
Dale KillingbeckMay 01, 2025
Tracking Earbuds Helped Wyoming Trooper Catch Man Who Took Off With Utah Teen
Using tracking data from a 17-year-old girl’s earbuds, and a photograph, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper caught a 33-year-old man Sunday accused of taking the girl from her Utah hometown without her parents’ consent, authorities say.
Clair McFarlandApril 30, 2025
Wife And Mother Of Man Killed By Thermopolis Police Officer File Lawsuit
The wife and mother of a Thermopolis man killed by police Sgt. Mike Mascorro in 2023 filed a lawsuit Monday against Mascorro and the police. They claim Mascorro broke into Buck Laramore's house illegally, touching off a shootout that killed Laramore.
Clair McFarlandApril 30, 2025
Judge Sides With Rock Springs Schools, Tosses Parents' Gender-Transition Lawsuit
A Wyoming federal judge Monday ruled against a Rock Springs couple who sued their local school district on claims it helped socially gender-transition their high school daughter without their knowledge or consent.
Clair McFarlandApril 29, 2025
Lander Man Jury Couldn’t Convict Pleads Guilty To Murder
A Lander man whose trial had ended in a hung jury pleaded guilty Tuesday in the bludgeoning death of a 57-year-old man he had invited into his home last year.
Clair McFarlandApril 29, 2025
Trucking Community Devastated By Fatal I-80 Hit-And-Run Near Rock Springs
Four days after a semitruck driver was killed while stopped on the shoulder of I-80 near Rock Springs, the Wyoming Highway Patrol is escalating its search for the hit-and-run driver. Industry insiders say they’re devastated by the “freak” incident.
Zakary SonntagApril 29, 2025
Transient Who Broke Laramie Woman’s Face Gets Strict Probation
A transient man who broke the face of a Laramie woman he dated two years ago was sentenced Tuesday to a two-month jail stint, followed by probation and treatment. The judge warned that if the man fails probation, he’ll go to prison for 6-8 years.
Clair McFarlandApril 29, 2025
Body Found On White Mountain Likely Missing Green River Woman
A woman’s body was found near a wrecked car on White Mountain outside of Rock Springs, Wyoming, on Sunday. Authorities believe the victim is missing 41-year-old Melissa Ann Amadio of Green River.
Jen KocherApril 29, 2025
Wheatland Man Gets Probation For Molesting 8-Year-Old Boy 40 Years Ago
The now-adult victim of a Wheatland man who molested him 40 years ago says he still lives with the consequences of being “raped 15-plus times.” Tyler Boyd, who was 14 when he abused the younger boy four decades ago, was sentenced Monday to probation.
Clair McFarlandApril 29, 2025
Rock Springs Man Who Stabbed Friend At Least 26 Times Gets 55 Years To Life
William Brewer, 34, was sentenced Monday in a Green River courtroom to between 55 years and life in prison for killing his friend in 2023. He stabbed his victim at least 26 times in what a prosecutor compared to a grizzly bear attack.
Clair McFarlandApril 29, 2025
Homeless Montana Man Awarded $27.75 Million For Vicious Prison Beating
A homeless Montana man whose conviction for sex assault was overturned won a $27.75 million judgment for a vicious beating he took in prison. A private prison company, which also does business with Wyoming, didn’t do enough to protect him, a jury found.
David MadisonApril 28, 2025
Man Says Casper Cops Shot, Killed Wife In Response To Reported Burglary
A 37-year-old woman was shot and killed in an officer-involved shooting at a Casper home early Monday. The woman's estranged husband told Cowboy State Daily that "there was not a burglar" and that "the cops shot her."
Dale KillingbeckApril 28, 2025
One Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting During Casper Burglary Response
UPDATE: One person is dead after Casper Police Department officers responded early Monday to a scene with an armed burglar, the department says. "Shots were fired," and the person was taken to a hospital, and later died.
Clair McFarlandApril 28, 2025
'Urgent' Notice Issued For Air Force Member Wanted On Child Porn Allegations
The U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations on Saturday issued an "urgent" notice about 27-year-old Airman First Class Branden Cecil Standifer. He's wanted on child porn allegations and was last seen at the Bozeman airport.
Clair McFarlandApril 26, 2025
Still No Trace Of Popular UW Professor Missing For Nine Months
Despite extensive searches of areas University of Wyoming Professor Nash Quinn of Laramie was known to bike, searchers have found no trace of him since he disappeared last July.
Jen KocherApril 26, 2025
ICE Wants Four Held On Drug Charges In Sheridan
Four men accused of smoking marijuana in a vehicle that also contained meth while swerving across a Sheridan road this week are now in jail — and on the radar of federal immigration officials. ICE wants local authorities to hold the men for the agency.
Clair McFarlandApril 25, 2025
Oregon Cop Spent The Night Talking Riverton Barricade Suspect Off The Ledge
When a Newberg, Oregon, police officer started his night shift Wednesday last week, he had no idea he’d spend five hours on the phone with a barricaded man 1,000 miles away in Riverton, Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandApril 25, 2025
Twice-Deported Man Accused Of Smuggling 18,000 Rounds Of Ammo Skips Court
A twice-deported Mexican immigrant with suspected cartel-ties accused of smuggling 18,000 rounds of ammunition through Wyoming skipped federal court Friday. A judge issued a warrant for his arrest.
Leo WolfsonApril 25, 2025
Former Rock Springs Teacher Emailed Student About Gender Transition
In an ongoing lawsuit about whether a Rock Springs school district helped to gender-transition a girl behind her parents' backs, the district is asking the judge not to let a former teacher's emails - which have surfaced in the case file - go to trial.
Clair McFarlandApril 24, 2025
Hotel Housekeeper Accused Of Stealing Elderly Couple's Coins Makes Plea Deal For Probation
The former head housekeeper of the Plains Hotel in Cheyenne agreed to a plea deal for probation in a stolen coin case. Rene Maria Manzanares is accused of stealing nearly $26,000 in coins from an elderly couple who lost their home in a mudslide.
Clair McFarlandApril 24, 2025
Cheyenne Voodoo Man Charged With Tearing Up Election Center Says He Was Set Up
Nicknamed "Wisdom," Joshua Hayden-Ali, is choosing to have a bench trial in which a judge, not a jury, will decide if he's guilty of tearing up an election center. He told Cowboy State Daily he's been set up by a secret organization.
Clair McFarlandApril 23, 2025
Body Cam Video Shows Shooting Death Of Autistic Idaho Teen By Police
Body camera video has been released showing the shooting death by Pocatello, Idaho, police of a non-verbal autistic teen brandishing a large knife. The incident has sparked protests of the local police.
David MadisonApril 23, 2025
Uzbekistani Trucker Accused Of Chasing Another Trucker With Knife
An Uzbekistani truck driver was arrested after a road rage incident along Interstate 80 in southwest Wyoming, which escalated into him chasing another trucker with a knife, court documents say. He's scheduled for a Friday court hearing.
Clair McFarlandApril 23, 2025
Casper Foster Dad Found Guilty Of Sexually Abusing Adopted Girls
It took a Casper jury more than six hours Tuesday afternoon and evening to convict Steven Marler on eight of 11 charges of sexually abusing two adopted daughters, including one of rape.
Dale KillingbeckApril 23, 2025
Body Found On Wind River Reservation May Be Missing Father, Daughter Says
Authorities declined Tuesday to confirm to Cowboy State Daily whose body they found on the Wind River Reservation, but the daughter of a man missing since December said it may be her father.
Clair McFarlandApril 23, 2025
Wyoming Man Accused Of Having Deceased Child Porn Gets 22-27 Years In Prison
A Wyoming man originally accused of having pornographic images of babies, toddlers and dead children has been sentenced to 22-27 years in prison. He pleaded “no contest” to 23 of the 54 child porn charges against him, says a Tuesday court order.
Clair McFarlandApril 22, 2025
Jury Has Case Of Casper Man Who Told Girl ‘I know I Shouldn’t Love You Like This’
A Natrona County District Court jury started deliberating Tuesday the fate of a Casper foster father accused of sexually abusing multiple young girls. One alleged victim told the jury he said to her, “I know I shouldn’t love like this, but I do.”
Dale KillingbeckApril 22, 2025
Newcastle Police Find Unexploded Bottle Bombs, Shoot Them To Neutralize
Newcastle police are investigating the discovery of three 2-liter bottle bombs on a sidewalk in town. Filled with drain or toilet-bowl cleaner and aluminum foil, the bombs were safely exploded from a distance by shooting them.
Clair McFarlandApril 22, 2025
Police Say Gillette Dementia Patient Froze After Nursing Assistant Ignored Alarm
A nursing assistant at a Gillette senior living center was formally charged Tuesday with involuntary manslaughter for the freezing death of an 88-year-old dementia patient. Police say he ignored an alarm she triggered when she went outside in January.
Jen KocherApril 22, 2025
Gillette Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge In Shooting Of Romantic Rival
A 22-year-old Gillette man is accused of shooting a man whom he called the ex-boyfriend of a woman he was seeing. He faces a charge of aggravated assault and attempted second-degree murder.
Clair McFarlandApril 22, 2025