Crime & Courts
News
Cheyenne Teen’s Christmas Joyride In Stolen Car Ends With Crash Into Tree
A 16-year-old Cheyenne teen offender on furlough from jail is accused of stealing his mother’s car and leading police on a high-speed chase. After covering more than 100 miles, the chase ended when the teen crashed into a tree near Wheatland, Wyoming.
Greg JohnsonDecember 26, 2024
Cheyenne Porch Pirate Caught On Camera Grinching A 5-Year-Old’s Christmas
Porch pirates just seem to keep getting more and more bold. But people are fighting back with door cameras, drop boxes and pranks like putting old junk in new boxes. That didn't stop one Grinch from stealing a Cheyenne 5-year-old's Christmas.
Renée JeanDecember 24, 2024
Not Taking Dying Toddler To The ER Is Child Abuse, High Court Rules
A Cody, Wyoming, woman who got life in prison for not taking a dying toddler to the hospital lost her appeal to the Wyoming Supreme Court on Friday. The court ruled that failing to get medical attention for the girl as she died is child abuse.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
How Neighbors Teamed Up With Wyoming Sheriff To Get Drug House Demolished
Residents in a Laramie County subdivision said they felt terrorized by squatters who had moved into an abandoned home and turned it into a drug house. It took months of collaboration with local officials but got it successfully torn down.
Renée JeanDecember 23, 2024
Campbell County K-9 Bites Car Chase Suspect Who Said Feds Controlled His Mind
Benjamin Ray Larson led Campbell County Sheriff’s officers on a chase this month and didn’t surrender until officers deployed a K-9 to force him to comply with orders, state troopers report. The K-9 bit Larson, who also claimed the feds had taken over his mind.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
Accused Of Stealing Steak And Hot Dogs, Wyoming Woman Could Get 20 Years
Kimberly Duran, 32, of Ethete, Wyoming, faces up to 20 years in prison on claims she stole steak, hot dogs, house slippers and other things from the Riverton Walmart. She's been convicted of theft 21 times prior and is scheduled for court Friday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 23, 2024
They're Not Playing Games, These Wyoming Cops Use Virtual Reality To Train
Virtual reality is good for more than playing the latest video games. Wyoming law enforcement agencies are using the technology to run cutting-edge training programs.
Clair McFarlandDecember 21, 2024
Settlement Allows Calif. Company To Build 175-Foot Cell Tower Outside Yellowstone
Officials in Park County, Wyoming, on Wednesday stopped fighting a California cellphone company that sued to build a nearly 200-foot-tall tower outside Yellowstone National Park. A settlement allows a 175-foot tower to be built next year.
Clair McFarlandDecember 21, 2024
Off-Duty Gillette Cop Spots Stolen Gun While Scrolling Online
An off-duty Gillette police officer scrolling gun sales online spotted a pistol reported stolen six weeks earlier. That led a 19-year-old Wyoming man who had that gun and other stolen weapons. He was charged Thursday with multiple felonies.
Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2024
Feds Grab Suspected Venezuelan Gang Member From Cheyenne Jail
Federal immigration authorities took custody Friday of an illegal immigrant the local sheriff suspects of being in a Venezuelan gang. The man had just been released from a five-month jail sentence in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandDecember 20, 2024
Casper Teen Who Said Stabbing Victim “Walked Into The Blade” Pleads Not Guilty
A 17-year-old Casper girl pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Friday to the Halloween stabbing of another 17-year-old girl. She reportedly told police afterward that the other girl “walked into the blade.”
Dale KillingbeckDecember 20, 2024
Brief: No Arrests — And No Hunt For Suspects — After Deadly Riverton Stabbing
Investigators looking into a fatal stabbing Sunday night in Riverton said they have identified and interviewed people involved but have not made an arrest. They're still investigating, the local undersheriff says.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Man Who Racked Up 7-Foot-Long List Of Citations During Chase Gets Six Months
A Saratoga, Wyoming, man who racked up a 7-foot-long list of citations during a wild chase with a Carbon County Sheriff's Office sergeant got six months in jail last week. That included being ticketed for littering when his tailgate whipped off.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Casper Man Who Killed Accused Child Molester Won’t Sue Over Amputated Toe
A Casper, Wyoming, man who killed his granddaughter’s alleged molester four years ago has withdrawn a lawsuit over his toe being amputated in prison. He claimed prison doctors mistreating a wound resulted in losing a toe.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Minnesota Hunter Who Mistook Moose For Elk In Bighorns Apologizes
A Minnesota hunter who shot a moose with no antlers thinking it was a cow elk wrote a heartfelt apology to the Sheridan Circuit Court last week. He was fined $1,000 and sentenced to one year of probation.
Clair McFarlandDecember 19, 2024
Cheyenne Men Accused Of Stealing Woman's Woodstove From Her Home
A Cheyenne transient and an accomplice are accused of ripping the wood-burning stove out of a woman’s house and driving away with it. They left behind a trail of ash, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2024
Ex-Casper Police Officer Pleads Not Guilty To Shooting At Deputies During Standoff
A former Casper Police Officer pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony charges stemming from a 17-hour standoff in August. He reportedly shot at and threatened to kill deputies during the incident.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 18, 2024
Gillette Man Says He Didn’t Realize What He Was Doing When He Allegedly Stabbed Wife
A Gillette man accused of stabbing his wife repeatedly says he wasn’t mentally well enough to rationalize his conduct at the time, according to a court transcript filed Monday. “I’ll always love you. I’m sorry I stabbed you,” he reportedly told her.
Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2024
Other Wyoming Counties Don't Let Illegal Immigrants Slip Away, Unlike Teton County
ICE has claimed not communicating with feds is why the Teton County Sheriff’s Office has let 103 illegal immigrants go the last couple of years. Other Wyoming counties don't have that problem, according to data the agency released Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 18, 2024
It Took Drones, Spike Strips And A School Lockdown To Arrest Wanted Colorado Man
To stop a wanted Colorado man, western Wyoming law enforcement agencies locked down a school, used drones and put out spike strips. They arrested John Fowler, 42, on drug possession and other charges.
Clair McFarlandDecember 17, 2024
Disappearing Creek In Montana Reveals How Deep Water Fights Can Get In The West
When water in a southwest Montana creek disappeared, a couple fought all the way to the Montana Supreme Court and won. It shows how deep water fights can get in the West.
David MadisonDecember 17, 2024
54-Year-Old Wyoming Man Confesses To Molesting Boy 40 Years Ago
A 54-year-old Wyoming man has confessed to molesting a boy 40 years ago, according to court documents. A proposed plea agreement would drop the man’s conviction if he completes treatment and three years of probation.
Clair McFarlandDecember 17, 2024
Former Cheyenne Family Gets $375K In Lawsuit Against Sheriff's Deputy
The state of Wyoming and the Wyoming Association of Risk Management are paying $375,000 to settle a lawsuit against a Laramie County Sheriff’s deputy and school resource officer accused of injuring an 8-year-old in 2022.
Clair McFarlandDecember 17, 2024
Shooting A Drone In Wyoming Could Lead To 10 Years In Prison, Loss Of Gun Rights
The legal consequences for shooting down a drone in Wyoming range from a misdemeanor to a felony charge that could result in up to 10 years in prison and the loss of gun rights.
Clair McFarlandDecember 17, 2024
12 Years In Prison For Fugitive Montana Meth Trafficker With Massive Arsenal
A Montana man who became a fugitive after he was caught with a massive cache of weapons and meth has been sentenced to 12 years in prison. He also was breaking into storage units while running his drug dealing business from an upscale neighborhood.
David MadisonDecember 16, 2024
Cheyenne Man Accused Of Stabbing Estranged Wife's Boyfriend To Death
A Cheyenne man was in court Monday on claims he stabbed his estranged wife’s boyfriend to death in the home they shared. “I did the stabbing,” he reportedly told police after the act Thursday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 16, 2024
Man Burned Escaping Gillette Apartment Fire By Fleeing "Very Close" To Blaze
A fire that engulfed an apartment unit in Gillette, Wyoming, Sunday morning left one man burned and injured from smoke-inhalation. He escaped by rushing “very close” to the flames before firefighters arrived, the local fire marshal says.
Clair McFarlandDecember 16, 2024
Part 3: Who is D.B. Cooper? After 53 Years, Push To Solve Notorious Crime In Overdrive
Cowboy State Daily's story about a parachute found by a high profile investigator has kicked the stalled investigation of one of America’s most notorious mysteries into overdrive. The new evidence has rekindled ex-FBI agents and others to finally solve the D.B. Cooper case.
Jen KocherDecember 15, 2024
Upton Man Arrested And Charged With Planting Homemade Bomb At Oil Field Company
A 39-year-old Upton, Wyoming, man had his first court appearance Friday, accused of planting a homemade propane bomb in the tool shed of an oil field company. The bomb didn’t go off, but was “the real deal,” the local sheriff has said.
Greg JohnsonDecember 14, 2024
In Wake Of CEO Slaying, Wyomingites Not Spooked Over 3D Printed “Ghost Guns”
3D printed “ghost guns” are back in the news, as one might have been used in the ambush killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Wyomingites say plastic 3D printed guns aren’t worth the trouble.
Mark HeinzDecember 14, 2024
Sheridan Assistant Principal Convicted For Having Sex With 18-Year Old Student
A now-former Sheridan High School assistant principal was found guilty by a jury Tuesday of having sex with an 18-year-old student. That's illegal in Wyoming when there's an age gap of more than four years.
Clair McFarlandDecember 13, 2024
Riverton Firefighter Charged With Sexually Attacking Women Faces More Accusers
A retired Riverton, Wyoming, firefighter accused of sexually attacking multiple women when he offered them rides asked Monday for more time to prepare for trial. He needs the time to contest claims from more women who have come forward to accuse him.
Clair McFarlandDecember 13, 2024
Worland Police Officer Charged With Child Sex Crimes
A former Washakie County Sheriff's deputy and recent hire of the Worland Police Department has been accused of sex crimes with multiple children. He was charged Monday with two felonies.
Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024
Police Arrest Man Suspected Of Trying To Burn Down Lander Bar
The Lander Police Department on Wednesday evening apprehended a 33-year-old Lander man suspected of trying to burn down the popular Lander Bar two days earlier.
Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024
Western Colorado Ranchers Missing Nearly 200 Head Of Cattle
The Montrose County Sheriff’s Office on Colorado's Western Slope is investigating nearly 200 cattle missing from federal grazing land reported by ranchers. The cattle is worth an estimated $300,000 to $400,000.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 12, 2024
Feds Deporting Three Illegal Immigrants Who Committed Crimes In Wyoming
Federal authorities are deporting three illegal immigrants out of Wyoming after one was caught with 170 pounds of marijuana and the other two were driving drunk.
Clair McFarlandDecember 12, 2024
Casper Man Who Blurted Out “I Killed Somebody” In Court Found Guilty
A jury took two hours to convict a 44-year-old Casper man who blurted out “I killed somebody” in a prior court hearing of second-degree murder Wednesday. James Mavigliano was found guilty of beating and strangling a man at a local motel.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024
Montana Supreme Court Keeps Child Sex Changes Legal During Lawsuit
The Montana Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld a lower court’s decision blocking a state ban on child sex-change treatments. Sex change treatments on children will remain legal while a lawsuit plays out.
Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024
Wyoming Bitcoin Company Gets $4.1 Million In Chinese Crypto Mine Settlement
Wyoming-based Bison Blockchain will receive $4.1 million in a settlement over a Chinese-owned cryptocurrency mine in Cheyenne. The Chinese company was shut down by President Joe Biden earlier this year over national security risks.
Leo WolfsonDecember 11, 2024
Illinois Trucker Rams Gillette Man's Pickup Off The Road, Police Say
A semitruck driver from Illinois is accused of side-swiping a Gillette man's pickup so hard he crippled it and drove it off the road west of Gillette, Wyoming. His case rose to felony-level court Monday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024
Casper Man Denies Firing Crossbow Bolts Through Ex’s Window
A Casper man accused of firing crossbow bolts at his ex-girlfriend’s home, including through a window, pleaded not guilty Wednesday. He also reportedly texted a threat, saying he was going to do something that “will definitely be in the news.”
Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024
Casper Murder Suspect Told Police He Wanted Victim To “Chill,” Not Die
Testimony continued Tuesday in the murder trial of a 44-year-old Casper man accused of killing a man at a local motel. In a video interview with police, James Mavigliano said he just wanted the victim to “chill.”
Dale KillingbeckDecember 11, 2024
California Transient Who Called Machete Attack Self-Defense Gets Probation
A California man who was passing through Green River, Wyoming, when he had a fight with four transients and cut two of them with a machete was sentenced Friday to probation. He maintained during the case that he was acting in self-defense.
Clair McFarland & Hunter McDaniel for Cowboy State DailyDecember 11, 2024
Bureau Of Indian Affairs Agent In Crash On Reservation, Agency Not Talking
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs did not respond to questions Tuesday about one of its own agents involved in a car crash on the Wind River Indian Reservation early Sunday. The BIA is investigating the incident "internally," authorities say.
Clair McFarlandDecember 11, 2024
Police Seek Whoever Tried To Burn Down Lander Bar
Police are seeking help to identify who tried to burn down the popular Lander Bar in Lander, Wyoming, early Monday morning. The attempt failed, but the bar’s owner says the potential for a “catastrophic” result “was literally the flip of a coin.”
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Cheyenne’s “Voodoo Man,” Known For Hexing Businesses, Has Felony Dismissed
Cheyenne’s “Voodoo Man,” known for terrorizing local businesses by throwing curses and threats at them, had a felony charge dropped Monday. He’ll instead face a lesser charge for charging through an election center from which he was banned.
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
People Steal Wyoming’s Road Signs Because They Think They’re “Cool”
People steal road signs from around Wyoming because they think they’re “cool.” Along with people also shooting, painting and otherwise vandalizing them, WYDOT expects to replace more than 100 in just one small corner of the state.
Hunter McDaniel for Cowboy State DailyDecember 10, 2024
Casper Police Searching For Source Of Shots Fired That Put Schools In Lockdown
Casper law enforcement agents are investigating shots fired near a handful of local schools Tuesday. The schools were put into lockdown for several hours as a precaution.
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Murder Trial Starts For Casper Man Who Blurted Out “I Killed Someone” In Court
After blurting out during a court hearing that “I killed somebody last night,” a Casper man’s murder trial began Monday. Jurors heard testimony about how the victim was found dead in a motel room.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 10, 2024
In Brief: Casper Escapee Nabbed After Nearly Four-Hour Manhunt
The Natrona County Sheriff’s Office arrested an escapee from the Casper Re-Entry Center after a nearly four-hour manhunt Monday. A stretch of Salt Creek Highway was closed for hours during the search for Joseph Herrera.
Dale KillingbeckDecember 10, 2024
Wyoming Transgender Sorority Member’s Lawsuit Against Attorneys Headed To Trial
A transgender University of Wyoming sorority member’s lawsuit against two lawyers is headed to trial, a judge ordered Friday. The lawyers represented a group of Kappa Kappa Gamma sisters who protested Artemis Langford’s membership in the sorority.
Clair McFarlandDecember 10, 2024
Jelly Seller Accused Of Hauling 35 Pounds Of Drugs From Las Vegas To Shoshoni
Mary Renee Weymouth, a 63-year-old jam and jelly vendor form Lander, Wyoming, is accused of smuggling 35 pounds of drugs into the state. She allegedly hauled meth and pot from Las Vegas to Shoshoni.
Clair McFarlandDecember 09, 2024
Cheyenne Man Unfazed By Police Tasers During Rampage Faces New Charges
A Cheyenne man who was unfazed by tasers when he allegedly attacked local police with multiple weapons in April now faces a possible life sentence. New felony charges were filed against Ronald Andrew Romero on Friday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 09, 2024
Family Still Desperate For Answers 43 Years After Young Wyoming Mother Vanished
Amber Scholz was a 21-year-old mother in a custody battle with the father when she vanished from her Rock Springs home in 1981. Now 43 years later, her family is still desperate for answers.
Jen KocherDecember 08, 2024
DNA Test Links Pinedale Woman To 27-Year-Old Cold Case Of Dead Baby Found In Septic Pit
A 23-year-old Michigan woman says she was shocked to learn that her Ancestry DNA test kit helped lead to the arrest of her grandmother living in Pinedale, Wyoming. Michigan State Police say the DNA links the grandmother to a 27-year-old cold case of a dead baby found in a Michigan septic pit.
Jen KocherDecember 08, 2024
Horsehair Thieves Cutting Off Horse Tails And Manes In Albany County
Thieves supply a black market for horsehair by sneaking into pastures and stalls and cutting off the animals’ tails and manes. Horse owners say there’s been a rash of such crimes around Laramie.
Mark HeinzDecember 07, 2024
Rock Springs Man Gives Grisly Account Of Stabbing Victim 30 Times
A Rock Springs, Wyoming, man gave a grisly confession Friday about stabbing a man more than 30 times, killing him, and dumping his body last year. He said it happened after a meth-fueled argument about a woman with whom they were both involved.
Clair McFarlandDecember 07, 2024
Wyoming Tops In The Nation For Cigarette Smuggling
Wyoming has the highest rate of outbound cigarette smuggling in the U.S., according to a study by the Tax Foundation. The group says 49.2% of Wyoming’s cigarette consumption goes to smugglers taking the product outside the state.
Clair McFarlandDecember 06, 2024
Man Who Held Woman Taken From Bloomberg Hostage At Cheyenne Motel Gets 22 Years
A Colorado man who held a woman hostage in a Cheyenne, Wyoming, motel after kidnapping her from Michael Bloomberg’s ranch was sentenced to 22 years in prison Thursday.
Clair McFarlandDecember 06, 2024
Housekeeper Accused Of Stealing $26K In Coins From Room In Historic Plains Hotel
The former head housekeeper of the historic Plains Hotel in downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming, is accused of stealing $26,000 worth of coins from a guest’s room. Court documents say she had other people sell them to coin dealers for cash.
Clair McFarlandDecember 05, 2024
Former Riverton Youth Pastor Found Not Guilty Of Molesting Child
A former Riverton, Wyoming, youth pastor accused of fondling a young girl last year was found not guilty by a Florida jury Tuesday. He allegedly told investigators that he’s addicted to porn and “gave in to temptation.”
Clair McFarlandDecember 05, 2024
Suspect Leads Casper Police On High-Speed Chase After Pepper-Spraying Clerk
A man is in jail after allegedly pepper-spraying a liquor store attendant and grabbing about 30 cartons of cigarettes. He then led Casper police on a high-speed late Tuesday.
Greg JohnsonDecember 05, 2024
Gillette Officer Faces Felony Charge For Alleged Sex With Woman On Probation
The Gillette Police Department officer arrested by his own department Monday faces an out-of-state felony charge. He's accused of having sex with a woman who was on felony probation while he was a cop in Utah, which is a felony in that state.
Clair McFarlandDecember 04, 2024
US Supreme Court Hears Case That Could Reverse Wyoming Ban On Child Sex Changes
The U.S. Supreme Court heard argument Wednesday in a case that could decide if states can ban sex-change treatments for kids. The decision could reverse Wyoming’s ban.
Clair McFarlandDecember 04, 2024
In Brief: Gillette Police Department Arrests One Of Its Own Officers
The Gillette Police Department took one of its own officers into custody Monday, after Utah authorities said the man was wanted on suspicion of a sex crime. The official also is accused of witness tampering and disseminating a private record.
Clair McFarlandDecember 04, 2024
Lighter Charges For Couple Accused Of Shooting Toward, Bear Spraying Woman
A South Dakota couple accused of shooting toward a woman and bear spraying her at their Wyoming campsite may plead to lesser charges. Their felony-level charges, each punishable by a decade in prison, were reduced to misdemeanors last week.
Clair McFarlandDecember 03, 2024
Former Laramie Council Hopeful Pleads To Sabotaging Wyoming Public Radio Equipment
Former Laramie City Council candidate Paul Montoya has pleaded no contest to sabotaging Wyoming Public Radio equipment. He maintains his innocence, telling Cowboy State Daily on Monday the charges weren’t “worth the time and expense” to bring.
Leo WolfsonDecember 03, 2024
Homemade Propane Bomb Found In Wyoming Oil Field Equipment Shed
A homemade propane bomb was found Saturday in the tool shed of a Weston County, Wyoming, oil field equipment company. It was “the real deal,” the sheriff says, adding it’s lucky the device didn’t go off.
Greg JohnsonDecember 02, 2024
Wyoming Sues Huge Investors For Pushing “Climate Activist Agenda” To Kill Coal
Wyoming and 10 other states are accusing three massive investors of colluding to downsize coal companies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions goals. They’re using their power as large stockholders to push “a climate activist agenda.”
Clair McFarlandDecember 02, 2024
Wyoming Man Agrees To Plead Guilty To Trying To Kidnap Teen Girl
A man from St. Stephens, Wyoming, has agreed to plead guilty to trying to kidnap a teen girl from a Riverton movie theater in 2022. The girl managed to fight Terrence Jenkins off even after he held a knife to her neck, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandDecember 02, 2024
Carbon County Man Found Dead In Remote Area South Of Rawlins
Bruce Baugh was supposed to be back home in Rawlins by 11 a.m. Wednesday after an early-morning elk. Carbon County Search and Rescue volunteers found his body on Thursday afternoon, over a mile away from his vehicle, which had become stuck.
Andrew RossiNovember 29, 2024
Wyoming Man Pleads Guilty To Killing Woman After Beating Another
An Ethete, Wyoming, man pleaded guilty Tuesday to stabbing a woman to death on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Months earlier, Kevin Mendibles also was arrested for beating another woman. He faces life in prison.
Clair McFarlandNovember 27, 2024
Wyoming Supreme Court Rules Against Man Who Tried To Sneak Meth Into Court
The Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a man who tried to sneak meth into the Uinta County Courthouse wasn’t searched illegally. The justices said the man gave up his right to privacy when he entered the courthouse.
Clair McFarlandNovember 27, 2024
Disabled Woman Sues, Says Cheyenne Police Officer Broke Her Ankle
A local woman filed a civil complaint against the city of Cheyenne and a Cheyenne police officer, who she claims used excessive force during a minor traffic stop. She says the officer broke her right ankle and roughed her up.
Clair McFarlandNovember 27, 2024
Montana Principal Pleads No Contest To Blocking Police Investigation Of Teacher
A Montana school principal and former candidate for the state’s top education post pleaded no contest Tuesday to blocking a police investigation into a teacher. Prosecutors didn’t buy her claim she hindered police to protect parental rights.
David MadisonNovember 27, 2024
Teton County Has Let 103 Illegal Immigrants Slip Away In Two Years, Says ICE
Within the past 21 months, the Teton County Sheriff’s Office has allowed 103 illegal immigrants to slip away, Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) told Cowboy State Daily on Tuesday. They say the sheriff’s office has not been honoring ICE’s requests for holds.
Clair McFarlandNovember 27, 2024
Higher Court Revives Lawsuit By Laramie High Schooler Arrested Over Not Masking
A former Laramie High School student who was arrested over a dispute over masking had her lawsuit against the local school district revived Tuesday. It had been dismissed by a lower court in 2023.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Mexican Nationals Accused Of Beating Gillette Roommate, Leaving Him For Dead
Three Mexican nationals are accused of beating their roommate from Gillette, Wyoming, driving out to a remote part of Campbell County, and leaving him for dead. Beaten and cold, the man followed some railroad tracks back to town.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Appeals Court Also Refuses To Kick Trans Player Off Volleyball Team
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals declined Tuesday to disqualify a San Jose State University transgender player from the Mountain West Conference tournament. The higher court's ruling upholds a lower order by a Colorado judge.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Volleyball Players Appeal, Ask Higher Court To Oust Transgender Player
A dozen women suing the Mountain West Conference over its inclusion of a transgender volleyball player are asking a higher court to intervene. A Colorado judge on Monday denied the women's request to oust the transgender player from this week's championship tournament.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Wyoming Man Accused Of Killing Girlfriend Doesn't Get New Judge Or Lawyers
A judge decided Monday that a man accused of trying to dump the body of his murdered girlfriend in Park County, Wyoming, doesn’t need a new judge or new attorneys. Joseph Underwood, 50, has argued insistently that he does.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Teton County Sheriff Says He Didn't Sabotage ICE's Plans To Deport Illegal Immigrants
Teton County’s sheriff is refuting a claim Harriet Hageman made in her Sunday newsletter that his office is sabotaging efforts to deport illegal immigrants. She said the sheriff is "foiling" ICE's efforts.
Clair McFarlandNovember 26, 2024
Wyoming Man Gets 3 Years In Prison For Swinging Flagpole At Police On Jan. 6
Bedford, Wyoming, resident Douglas Harrington was sentenced to three years in prison Monday for assaulting police with a flagpole during the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol Riot. It’s the harshest sentence so far for a Wyoming resident related to Jan. 6.
Leo WolfsonNovember 25, 2024
Judge Rules Transgender Volleyball Player Can Compete
A Colorado-based federal judge declined Monday to remove a transgender player from the Mountain West Conference women’s volleyball tournament. He also didn’t reverse six forfeit losses teams have taken by boycotting matches against that player.
Clair McFarlandNovember 25, 2024
Casper Property Owners Sue State Over Gravel Pit Leases, Claim Rights Violations
A Casper group and six property owners sued the Wyoming Board of Land Commissioners on Friday. They claim lack of notice about the board’s approval of leases to mine gravel near the base of Casper Mountain violated their constitutional rights.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 25, 2024
Part 2: Who is D.B. Cooper? The Bombshell Discovery That Could Solve Infamous Hijacking
Part 2 of a series. For 53 years, the only unsolved hijacking in the nation's history has remained one of world's greatest mysteries. The bombshell discovery of the parachute likely used by D.B. Cooper in his infamous hijacking may finally close the case.
Jen KocherNovember 24, 2024
Who is D.B. Cooper? New Evidence May Crack One Of America’s Greatest Mysteries
A parachute found in an outbuilding in North Carolina could be the new evidence that may crack the 53-year-old D.B Cooper case. It could lead investigators to the identity the man who jumped out of a hijacked plane carrying $200,000.
Jen KocherNovember 23, 2024
Rozet Man Accused Of Slashing Girlfriend's Throat With Box Cutter
A Rozet, Wyoming, man is accused of throwing a chair, lamp and door at his girlfriend before cutting her throat with a box cutter. He could face between 20 years and life in prison if convicted of attempted second-degree murder.
Clair McFarlandNovember 23, 2024
Hudson Man Caught In Vigilante Video Now Facing Federal Sex Charge
A Hudson, Wyoming, man accused of chatting with decoys he believed were underage girls and luring them into sex acts has been slapped with a federal sex charge. An indictment returned Wednesday could mean another 20 years in prison for him.
Clair McFarlandNovember 22, 2024
Casper Man With 1,000 Child Porn Files Claims He Was Collecting Them For Police
A 59-year-old Casper man was in court Thursday to face multiple felony charges related to 1,000 child porn files allegedly found on his cellphone. He reportedly told agents he was collecting them to turn over to local police.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 22, 2024
Prosecutor Won't Seek Death Penalty In Fort Bridger Killing
The Uinta County prosecutor will not seek the death penalty in the first-degree murder case of Skyler Gray who is accused of gunning down Jeremy Jaques in Fort Bridger. Gray allegedly shot at Jaques six times – then another four times once Jaques was on the ground.
Clair McFarlandNovember 22, 2024
Woman Charged With Stealing Wyoming Deputy’s Car, Flashing His Gun
Laramie County Sheriff’s deputies arrested two women after one of them managed to bypass a safety feature on a patrol vehicle and steal it Wednesday. She also reportedly flashed a gun that was in the car before being stopped with spike strips.
Clair McFarlandNovember 21, 2024
Rawlins UPS Worker Accused Of Stealing Crime Evidence Sent To State Lab
A Rawlins UPS worker accused of stealing drugs and other crime evidence out of boxes on their way to the state crime lab was charged Wednesday. A laundry list of alleged stolen items also were found at her home, including a camera meant for a school's yearbook club.
Clair McFarlandNovember 21, 2024
Man Who Scammed Ranchers Desperate For Hay During Drought To Pay Back $100K
A Kansas man who scammed ranchers in Wyoming and Montana desperate for hay during a drought was sentenced to probation Wednesday. He also must pay back more than $100,000 to his victims.
David MadisonNovember 21, 2024
Mexican Cartel Tied To Real-Life “Breaking Bad” Meth Bust On Crow Reservation
A former Montana college dean was identified last week as the alleged queenpin of a meth ring on the Crow Reservation with ties to a Mexican cartel. The case details read like a real-life episode of “Breaking Bad.”
David MadisonNovember 21, 2024
Judge Won't Dismiss Case After Duck Hunter Claims Friend's Death Was Accident
The question of whether a Wyoming college student recklessly shot and killed his friend during a winter duck hunt is too big for just one judge to decide and should go to a jury instead, a judge ruled Monday.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Mountain West Says Lawsuit Made Up “Emergency” To Oust Transgender Player
The Mountain West Conference on Tuesday asked a federal court to leave its upcoming volleyball tournament alone. It also accuses the women who sued the MWC of making up their own “emergency” to remove a transgender player from the tournament.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Judge Backs Gordon, Denies Casper Doctor's Pitch To Get Back On Medicine Board
A judge ruled Thursday that Gov. Mark Gordon acted appropriately when calling for Dr. Eric Cubin to step down from the Wyoming Board of Medicine due to his "bias." Cubin had criticized a doctor and medical group for lobbying against child sex-change bans.
Clair McFarlandNovember 20, 2024
Punch That Killed Sheridan Hockey Coach Not Self-Defense, Prosecutor says
Cody McCalla says he acted in self-defense when he fatally punched Sheridan hockey coach Patrick Mudd in July. But the Sheridan County attorney argued Monday that McCalla's self-defense filing is missing some key details.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Cody Man Accused Of Stabbing Mother Claims She Had “Little People” Annoy Him
A Cody, Wyoming, man was arrested Monday on claims he stabbed his mother in a bloody struggle. He told police she brought “little people” to her house to annoy him and added, “I don’t know why I am so happy," court documents say.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Wyoming Will Appeal “Frustrating” Ruling To Block Abortion Bans, Gordon Says
Gov. Mark Gordon calls a Monday ruling to strike down Wyoming’s abortion bans “frustrating” and announced Tuesday the state will appeal. “It just sickens me,” says one leading supporter of the bans, while opponents hail the ruling as a victory.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Thermopolis Woman Pleads Not Guilty To Stealing From FFA Alumni
A Thermopolis, Wyoming, woman pleaded not guilty Monday to charges she stole $15,000 to $18,000 from the local Future Farmers of America Alumni. But in interviews with the police chief, she admitted skimming the group’s bank accounts, according to an affidavit.
Clair McFarlandNovember 19, 2024
Saratoga Man's Tailgate Falls Off During Chase, Charged With Littering And Meth
A Saratoga, Wyoming, man got a 7-foot-long list of citations last week after leading deputies on a chase and crashing in a ditch. Among those are allegations of having meth and littering for when his tailgate fell off.
Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2024
Jury Finds Fremont County Man Guilty Of Killing His Disabled Landlord
A jury found Burdick Nelson Seminole guilty Friday of first-degree murder for gunning down his disabled landlord in August 2023. Court documents say Seminole was evicted for bringing young females to the home and getting them high.
Clair McFarlandNovember 18, 2024
Proposed Law Would Allow Permanent, Lifetime Protection Orders In Wyoming
Legislators will consider a new law allowing Wyoming judges to issue permanent, lifetime protection orders. Victims of sex assault, stalking and domestic violence say it could save them from repeatedly being re-victimized.
Jen KocherNovember 17, 2024
The 30-Year-Old Cold Case Of “Coal Train Carlos,” Found Frozen In A Railcar
It’s been nearly 30 years since the body of a mysterious unidentified man was found frozen in a railcar at a Wyoming coal mine. Dubbed "Coal Train Carlos,” authorities are no closer to identifying him, but a citizen sleuth has taken up the cold case.
Jen KocherNovember 17, 2024
Trying To Get Away With Murder By Staging It As A Bear Attack Is A Bad Idea
A number of recent human-on-human crimes — including murder — have attempted to be covered up by blaming them on bear attacks. But law enforcement and wildlife officials say it’s a really bad strategy.
Jen KocherNovember 16, 2024
Mountain West Denies It Snuck In New Rule To Punish Boycott Of Trans Player
The Mountain West Conference told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that it didn't suddenly edit its rules to punish schools for boycotting a women's volleyball team with a transgender player. The women suing the conference claim it did.
Clair McFarlandNovember 16, 2024
Tearing Up Luxury Cars In A Bear Suit To Scam Insurance “Really Stupid”
Tearing up a Rolls Royce and other luxury cars in a cheap bear suit in an attempt to scam California insurance companies was “really stupid,” industry and wildlife experts say. Four suspects were arrested Wednesday in the ill-conceived scheme.
Mark HeinzNovember 16, 2024
Rural Wyoming Police Chief Accused Of Helping Girlfriend Evade Meth Arrest
Manderson, Wyoming, Police Chief Brandon “BJ” Kidgell is accused of tipping off a woman he was dating to drug searches of her house and attempts to arrest her. The six charges, which include neglect of duty, were filed Thursday.
Clair McFarlandNovember 15, 2024
Utah Woman Climbs On High-Voltage Substation, Causes Power Outage
800 homes in Salt Lake City lost power on Thursday when a woman bypassed security fencing and climbed onto the high-voltage bushings of a substation transformer. A similar incident happened in Cody, Wyoming, except it was caused by raccoons.
Andrew RossiNovember 15, 2024
Cody Man Accused Of Stalking Ex, Hoarding Homemade Explosives
Though Randall Bailey, 64, does not appear to be charged with possessing explosives, court documents say police found homemade explosive devices in his Cody, Wyoming, home. He remains in jail on suspicion of stalking his ex-wife.
Clair McFarlandNovember 15, 2024
Vandalism Forces Cheyenne Frontier Days To Close Grounds To Public
A rash of vandalism at the Cheyenne Frontier Days grounds has caused an estimated $15,000 to $20,000 worth of damage and prompted the organization to close the area to the public.
Greg JohnsonNovember 14, 2024
Utah Man Says He Was Hired To Cash $13K In Fake Checks In Wyoming
A Utah man is the Lincoln County, Wyoming, jail on claims that he drained the Alpine Standard gas station's bank account of $13,000. He’s accused of cashing fake checks, but claims he was hired to cash them and had no idea they were fake.
Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2024
Wyoming, Colorado DUI Patrols Will Be Watching Highway 287 For Border War
Wyoming and Colorado will increase DUI patrols for Friday’s annual Border War football game between Wyoming and Colorado State universities. Highway 287 between Laramie and Fort Collins has been nicknamed the "highway of death."
Justin GeorgeNovember 14, 2024
Multiple Law Agencies Investigate Homemade Explosives Found At Home Near Cody
The discovery of homemade explosive devices at a home on Musser Road in Park County east of Cody has prompted a multiagency response from local, state and federal law enforcement Thursday morning. The investigation remains active.
November 14, 2024
3 UW Volleyball Players Part Of Bombshell Lawsuit Over Trans Player
Three University of Wyoming student-athletes are part of a bombshell lawsuit over a transgender player competing for San Jose State University. Among other things, they claim the Mountain West Conference tried to silence player boycotts.
Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2024
Sheridan Man Accused Of Punching And Killing Hockey Coach Claims Self-Defense
A Sheridan man accused of punching a longtime hockey coach so hard it killed him is arguing that he acted in self-defense. He claims the hockey coach first repeatedly punched and attacked him outside a rodeo this past summer.
Clair McFarlandNovember 14, 2024
“I Hope I Killed One”: Casper Teen Accused Of Shooting Into Homes Pleads Not Guilty
A 15-year-old Casper, Wyoming, boy pleaded not guilty Wednesday to allegations he shot into two homes on the city’s north side. He allegedly told friends, “I hope I killed one” after an Aug. 12 shooting.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 13, 2024
Torrington Man Accused Of Throwing Ex’s Guns And Computers In Canal
A Torrington man already accused of brutally pistol-whipping and disfiguring his ex-girlfriend has been charged with yet another felony. He’s accused of throwing his victim’s phone, laptop and guns in a canal.
Clair McFarlandNovember 13, 2024
Riverton School Board Candidate Pleads Guilty To Molesting Child For Months
A recent candidate for the Riverton, Wyoming, school board, Hunter DeVries pleaded guilty Tuesday to molesting a child for months. He faces up to 30 years in prison if the judge accepts his plea agreement.
Clair McFarlandNovember 12, 2024
Companies Say Explosions That Hurt Wyoming Oil Field Workers Were Their Own Fault
Two Wyoming energy companies being sued over a pair of explosions that hurt two oil field workers say they’re not at fault. In court filings, they say the injuries “were caused by their own negligence and the negligence of their employer.”
Clair McFarlandNovember 11, 2024
FBI Asks For Help To Find Crow Tribe 13-Year-Old Girl Missing More Than A Month
The FBI is asking for help to find Sa’Wade Birdinground, 13, a member of the Crow Tribe in Montana who was last seen Oct. 6 at a home near the Wyoming border. Searchers have used dogs, divers, drones and helicopters to find her, but no luck so far.
Jen KocherNovember 09, 2024
Man Gutted Dead Uncle's Wyoming Oil And Gas Company To Start His Own
A Green River, Wyoming, man who worked for his uncle’s oil and gas company for 38 years got probation Thursday for stealing from the company after his uncle’s death. When he couldn’t buy the company, he took its equipment and employees, court documents show.
Clair McFarlandNovember 09, 2024
Off-Duty Casper Cop Who Shot At Deputies During Standoff To Face 6 Felonies
An off-duty Casper police officer involved in a 17-hour standoff in August waived his preliminary hearing in Casper Circuit Court on Thursday. He faces six felony charges for allegedly threatening and shooting at deputies. He's no longer a Casper cop.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 08, 2024
Casper Teen Pleads Guilty To Second-Degree Murder For Shooting Ex-Girlfriend
A Casper 16-year-old pleaded guilty to second-degree murder Friday, admitting he shot his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend in the head. The plea means he’ll get 20 years to life in prison, but the father of his victim says that isn’t justice for his daughter.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 08, 2024
3D Imaging Helps Recreate Face Of John Doe Found In Cheyenne A Year Ago
DNA from a badly decomposed man found in Cheyenne in November 2023 hasn’t so far helped identify him. But the Laramie County coroner hopes new 3D imaging of what he may have looked like will.
Jen KocherNovember 08, 2024
Campbell County Deputy Who Killed Shooter Acted In Self-Defense
A Campbell County, Wyoming, deputy who shot and killed a Wright man who'd fired a shotgun at his patrol vehicle acted in self-defense. That’s the determination of the county attorney after reviewing an independent state investigation into the incident.
Clair McFarlandNovember 08, 2024
Prosecutor Disputes Wyoming Hunter's Claim Friend's Shooting Death Was Accident
A 20-year-old Wyoming hunter says the gunshot that killed his best friend while duck hunting was an accident. But a prosecutor responded this week saying the death was the result of recklessness and the case against the hunter should move forward.
Clair McFarlandNovember 07, 2024
Casper Teen Accused Of Stabbing Girl Said The Victim “Walked Into The Blade”
A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl had a preliminary hearing Thursday on allegations she stabbed another teen Halloween night. An investigator testified the suspect claimed the victim “walked into the blade.”
Dale KillingbeckNovember 07, 2024
Juvenile On The Run Hit And Killed Trying To Cross I-25 Near Bar Nunn
A juvenile was hit by a vehicle and killed while trying to cross the southbound lane of Interstate 25 near Bar Nunn, Wyoming, on Wednesday night. The juvenile allegedly assaulted a family member, then ran from the home before deputies could respond.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 07, 2024
Gillette Woman Charged With Domestic Abuse Claims Boyfriend Punched Himself
A Gillette, Wyoming, woman charged with beating up her boyfriend told police he punched himself in the face Monday night. Police say her fists, not his, were scuffed.
Clair McFarlandNovember 07, 2024
Wyoming Woman Says She Was Too Patient With Husband Accused Of Shooting At Her
A woman whose estranged husband is facing felony charges, on claims that he leveled a shotgun at her and fired it as she fled, says she wishes she hadn’t been so nice for so long.
Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2024
Casper Girl, 17, Thought Machete-Like Knife Was Fake, Then She Was Stabbed
A 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl was almost killed Halloween night when another teen stabbed her with a machete-like knife. Willow Wagner told Cowboy State Daily she first thought the knife was fake — until it was in her body.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 06, 2024
Sheridan Man Accused Of Shooting At Wife, Threatening Man Who Drove Her Home
A man from Sheridan County is facing arraignment Thursday on claims that he fired a shotgun toward his wife as she ran away on foot last month. He's also accused of pointing the shotgun at a man who drove his wife home.
Clair McFarlandNovember 06, 2024
Nationally Notorious Serial Graffiti Vandal “Ciga” Targets Cody
A serial graffiti artist who lives in Wyoming and has been spray-painting “Ciga” onto public and private property across the country for a decade is wanted again, this time in Cody, court records show.
Clair McFarlandNovember 05, 2024
Wyoming Duck Hunter Says Fatal Shooting Was Accident, Not Crime
Gaige Zook, 20, is asking a judge to dismiss an involuntary manslaughter charge in the fatal shooting of a 19-year-old. He says the gun fired accidentally while both he and the victim were on a duck hunt.
Clair McFarlandNovember 04, 2024
Girl Kicked SUV, So Casper Teen Allegedly Stabbed Her With Machete-Style Knife
The 17-year-old Casper, Wyoming, girl charged with stabbing another 17-year-old girl on Halloween was mad because the victim kicked her SUV. So, she allegedly got out and stabbed her with a machete-style knife.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 04, 2024
'Wish They Would Stop': False Threats Prompt Lockdowns At Schools Across Wyoming
School shooting threats at multiple Wyoming schools, including in Cheyenne, Gillette and Riverton, prompted lockdowns and police searches Monday. The threats were unfounded, authorities have said, adding they “wish they would stop.”
Clair McFarlandNovember 04, 2024
Jackson Hotel Worker Missing Since September Found Safe
A Jackson hotel worker missing since September has been located safely in another state, the Jackson Police Department announced Friday.
Jen KocherNovember 02, 2024
Truck Plows Into Rock Springs Gas Station, Burying Woman In Debris
A truck plowed into a Maverik gas station in Rock Springs on Thursday burying a South Dakota woman in debris. The woman she hit her head on the floor and then a food shelf fell on top of her.
Clair McFarlandNovember 01, 2024
Gillette Mother's 'Weird Feeling' Leads To Arrest Of Peeper, Police Say
A Gillette mother's strange gut feeling led her to check her home camera just in time to spot a 48-year-old man crawling outside her 12-year-old daughter's window, police say. Court documents say police found videos of the girl on the man's phone.
Clair McFarlandNovember 01, 2024
Montana Man Confesses To Brutal Murder Of Camper, Used Screwdriver And Ax
A Montana man has confessed to the murder of a camper near Big Sky last month that at first was thought to be a grizzly attack because of its brutal nature. He told authorities he killed the camper with a screwdriver and an ax.
David MadisonNovember 01, 2024
Fort Washakie Man Who Killed Man In Front Of Carload Of Witnesses Gets 16 Years
A Fort Washakie, Wyoming, man was sentenced Thursday to 16 years in prison for second-degree murder for stabbing and killing a 20-year-old man. He stabbed the man along a road in front of a carload of witnesses.
Clair McFarlandNovember 01, 2024
3 Found Dead In Carbon Monoxide Leak In Riverton Home, Faulty Water Heater Suspected
Riverton police suspect a faulty water heater may have caused the carbon monoxide leak in which two women and a toddler were found dead early Thursday morning. They were discovered when someone did a welfare check at the home.
Clair McFarlandNovember 01, 2024
Casper Girl, 17, Charged With Stabbing Another Teen On Halloween
A 17-year-old Casper girl was charged as an adult Friday in Casper Circuit Court with felony aggravated assault stemming from the stabbing of another 17-year-old girl on Thursday night. She’s was charged as an adult.
Dale KillingbeckNovember 01, 2024
Evansville Man Pleads Not Guilty To Almost Killing 1-Year-Old
A 31-year-old Evansville man pleaded not guilty to four felony child abuse charges Thursday in Natrona County District Court. One victim was a 1-year-old boy whose injuries were so bad he was nearly killed, the prosecutor says.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 31, 2024
Family Of Missing Wyoming Hunter Overjoyed At His Rescue
A man from Encampment went missing overnight Wednesday while hunting elk in the Medicine Bow National Forest, but was found alive around 3:45 p.m. Thursday. His family was overjoyed with the news.
Clair McFarlandOctober 31, 2024
Sheridan Woman Who Drove Car Into River Says She Passed Out
A Sheridan, Wyoming, woman remains hospitalized after her car went down an embankment and into Little Goose Creek on Wednesday. She told Cowboy State Daily on Thursday that she passed out and woke behind a deployed airbag with water rushing into her car.
Clair McFarlandOctober 31, 2024
Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Pistol-Whipping Casper Man, Shooting At Another
A 19-year-old Cheyenne man pleaded not guilty in Natrona County District Court on Thursday to five felony charges for allegedly pistol-whipping a Casper man. He’s also charged with firing a gun at a car with three people in it.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 31, 2024
Riverton School Board Candidate Accused Of Molesting Child, Drops Out Of Race
Hunter DeVries, 23, announced his candidacy for Fremont County School District 25 board in August. On Friday, he dropped out of the race, and on Monday was charged with first-degree sexual abuse of a minor on claims he molested an 11-year-old boy for months.
Clair McFarlandOctober 30, 2024
Cowboy Roper Accused Of Stealing $3,800 From Jackson Hole Rodeo
A roping contestant and former employee of the Jackson Hole Rodeo is accused of stealing $3,800 from the organization. He allegedly tweaked and re-deposited his winnings and paychecks via a virtual deposit app.
Clair McFarlandOctober 30, 2024
Judge: Sheridan School Board Violated Man's Speech Rights During Mask Debate
The Sheridan County School District Board chair wouldn’t allow a local man to criticize the superintendent over masking at a 2022 public meeting. A federal judge ruled last week that the man’s free speech rights were violated.
Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2024
Police Say Casper Man Was Drunk When He Plowed Into Car With Teens
A 23-year-old Casper, Wyoming, man faces three felony charges after police say he ran a stop sign while drunk Sunday night and hit a car with three teens. All three were injured as was the man’s mother in his pickup.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 29, 2024
Gillette Police Claim Woman Chuckled While Trying To Frame Man For Assaulting Her
A Gillette woman faces two counts of false crime reporting on claims that she tried to frame a male friend for stabbing and beating her. Gillette police say she chuckled while making a 911 report.
Clair McFarlandOctober 29, 2024
Wheatland Men Accused Of Stealing Valuable Boulders From Albany County Ruby Mine
Two men who were recently living in Wheatland, Wyoming, are facing felony theft charges on claims they stole boulders from an Albany County ruby mining claim. The large rocks could contain rubies each worth up to $4,000.
Clair McFarlandOctober 28, 2024