Crime & Courts
News
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 in favor of child sex-change procedures.
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
Quick-Acting Staffers Save Moorcroft Student Who Overdosed At Volleyball Game
A Moorcroft Secondary School student who stopped breathing after a drug overdose at an Oct. 4 volleyball game was rescued by nurses and staffers. They used a swift dose of Narcan, the principal told Cowboy State Daily on Monday.
Clair McFarlandOctober 28, 2024
Supreme Court Rules Child Molester Can't Bash Child Victim At Trial
A Wyoming district court judge was right to not allow a molester to raise allegations of unrelated sexual misconduct against his child victim at trial, the Wyoming Supreme Court says in a Friday ruling.
Clair McFarlandOctober 28, 2024
Freedom Caucus Wants Lawsuit Over Misleading Political Mailers Thrown Out
The campaign arm of the Wyoming Freedom Caucus on Friday filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed against it by two state legislators. They accuse the group of sending out deliberately false and misleading mailers and text messages.
Leo WolfsonOctober 26, 2024
Guilty Plea For Yellowstone Concession Worker Who Attacked Park Ranger
Chloe Lynn Tullis, a contract worker in Yellowstone, changed her plea from not guilty to guilty in the U.S. District Court for Wyoming on one charge of assaulting a federal police officer and another of interfering with one.
Clair McFarlandOctober 25, 2024
Two Accused Of Running Illegal Online Gambling Operations In Gillette And Casper
A Gillette woman appeared in a Casper courtroom Thursday accused of helping run illegal gambling operations out of coffee shops and a vape store in three Wyoming towns. Her boss, a Casper man, was charged earlier this month.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 25, 2024
Kidnapped Teen Girl Saved After Wyoming High-Speed Chase Is Second In 5 Days
For the second time in five days, Wyoming law enforcement rescued a teen girl who was kidnapped in another state. A man was arrested Thursday after trying to dodge spike strips while being chased north on I-25, then south again after he inexplicably turned around.
Greg JohnsonOctober 25, 2024
Brief: Fremont County Coroner Seeks Someone To Claim Body Of Washington Man
A 64-year-old Washington state man died Oct. 13 after rolling his Jeep in Dubois, Wyoming, with a 0.298% blood-alcohol concentration. Now the local coroner is seeking someone to claim his body.
Clair McFarlandOctober 25, 2024
Cheyenne PD Wants Dismissal Of Racism Claim From Red Light Traffic Stop
The Cheyenne Police Department is asking a federal judge to dismiss a Black man’s racial discrimination lawsuit, saying the man didn’t stay within the rules for making that claim.
Clair McFarlandOctober 24, 2024
Former Riverton Cop Busted With Mail-Order Steroids Gets Deal
A former Riverton Police Department officer accused of mail-ordering illegal steroids has signed a plea agreement that could keep a felony off his record. Logan Alley admitted to buying the illegal steroids for his own use, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandOctober 24, 2024
Thermopolis FFA Alumni Treasurer Accused Of Embezzling More Than $15,000
The treasurer of the Thermopolis, Wyoming, Future Farmers of America alumni committee is accused of embezzling more than $15,000 from the group. She allegedly admitted to police she took the money.
Clair McFarlandOctober 24, 2024
Casper Man Who Killed Alleged Child Molester Sues Over Toe Amputated In Prison
A Casper, Wyoming, man who killed his granddaughter’s alleged molester four years ago is suing a health care provider over his toe being amputated in prison. He claims the doctors didn't apply the right salve to a wound.
Clair McFarlandOctober 23, 2024
Douglas Woman Gets 14-23 Years In Prison For Abusing, Killing Mother
Edwina Leman was sentenced to between 14 and 23 years in prison for abusing her elderly mother and fatally injuring her. The prosecutor played videos in court, of Leman attacking and insulting her sickly mother. A defense attorney said Leman suffered from caretaker’s burnout.
Clair McFarlandOctober 23, 2024
In Brief: Appeals Court Upholds Order To Allow 195-Foot Wapiti Cell Tower
A federal appeals court Friday backed a lower court's order that the Park County Commission must OK the building of a 195-foot cellphone tower in Wapiti just outside Yellowstone National Park.
Clair McFarlandOctober 23, 2024
Woman Who Killed Ex By Running Him Down In SUV In Rock Springs Gets 45 To Life
A Utah woman who killed her ex-boyfriend by running him over in an SUV in a Rock Springs parking lot was sentenced Tuesday. Rene Daniels will serve between 45 years and life in prison.
Clair McFarlandOctober 22, 2024
Thermopolis Man Sues Cops, Deputies Over Break-In And Tasing
A Thermopolis man filed a federal lawsuit Monday against Thermopolis cops and local deputies. He claims he was tased and injured by officers when they illegally broke into his home.
Clair McFarlandOctober 22, 2024
Casper Juvenile Male In Serious Condition After Early Morning Shooting At Party
A juvenile male was shot by an underage suspect at an early morning party Saturday in Casper. The victim is in serious condition, while little information is being released about the city’s latest in a string of violent youth assaults and killings.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 21, 2024
Wyoming Troopers Save Kidnapped Teen Girl From Sex Offender And “Wanted Predator”
A 13-year-old South Dakota girl allegedly abducted by a registered sex offender was recovered by Wyoming State Troopers on Sunday. Hours after the girl was reported missing, the suspect tried to outrun the WHP and was caught near Rawlins.
Greg JohnsonOctober 21, 2024
Wyoming Man Helps Rescue Girl Abused By Dad And Trafficked For Sex By Mom
When she was 7, her dad abused her, and her mother began sex trafficking her to men when she was 10. Now Blue is 18 and trying to help children after being rescued with the help of a Wyoming man and her new Cowboy State “mother.”
Jen KocherOctober 19, 2024
Douglas Man Guilty Of Killing Cousin After Drinking Binge, Jury Finds
A Douglas man who had a long and sometimes traumatic Army career was found guilty of second-degree murder Friday. Mark Helms shot his cousin to death after a night of drinking in September 2023.
Clair McFarlandOctober 19, 2024
Wyoming Man Trying To Get Federal Machine Gun Ban Overturned
A Wapiti, Wyoming, man is trying to overturn the nation's general ban on machine guns, and on Friday took his case to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. A firearms law experts says he makes a "respectable" argument, but a 2008 court ruling will likely block him.
Clair McFarlandOctober 19, 2024
Shoshoni Woman Pleads Guilty To Shooting Naked Boyfriend, But Not His Harley
A Shoshoni woman could get up to seven years in prison after admitting Tuesday that she shot her naked boyfriend in the foot while he was putting his pants on. She was also accused of shooting his Harley-Davidson but that charge was dropped.
Clair McFarlandOctober 18, 2024
Wyoming Man Caught In Child Sex Sting Video Pleads Not Guilty
A 57-year-old Hudson, Wyoming, man who was shown in a vigilante sex-crime YouTube video in Lander pleaded not guilty to a felony charge Thursday. He’s charged with attempted third-degree sexual abuse of a minor.
Clair McFarlandOctober 18, 2024
205-Acre Wind River Fire Started In Trash Barrel And Burned One Home
A fire near Riverton on the Wind River Indian Reservation on Wednesday started in a trash barrel and burned one home. The fire quickly blew up to more than 200 acres and jumped the river before firefighters knocked it down.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2024
50-Person Search For Body Parts Near Cheyenne Got “All That We Could Find”
Laramie County officials have finished a 50-person search for human remains in a field south of Cheyenne, getting “all that we could find.” Now begins what could be a lengthy process of investigating who the person was.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2024
Montana Man’s Death First Thought To Be Grizzly Mauling, Now Suspected Murder
A grizzly attack was initially suspected in the death of a Montana man found dead in his tent Saturday. But on Wednesday, authorities announced they’re now investigating it as a murder.
Mark HeinzOctober 17, 2024
Riverton Man Charged With Beating Friend To Death Pleads Not Guilty
Accused of beating his friend to death in March, a 30-year-old Riverton man pleaded not guilty Thursday to manslaughter. The parents of his alleged victim cried in court and clutched a framed photograph of their son during the hearing.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2024
New Charge For Laramie Man Accused Of Duct-Taping And Torturing Woman
A Laramie man accused of duct-taping and torturing a woman is now charged with pressuring his victim into saying he didn't do it. His case rose to the Albany County District Court on Wednesday.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2024
Jackson Hotel Worker Called In Sick A Month Ago, Hasn't Been Heard From Since
Police in Jackson, Wyoming, are asking for help in finding a 30-year-old hotel worker who’s been missing for a month. Braigene Collins called in sick to work Sept. 14 and hasn’t been heard from since.
Jen KocherOctober 17, 2024
Grass Fire Threatens Wind River Homes, Planes Respond
Fremont County officials scrambled Wednesday afternoon when high winds whipped up a small grass fire on the north end of the Wind River Indian Reservation, which jumped the Wind River and headed toward dense brush and thicker residential areas of Riverton, and prompted the evacuation of at least one home.
Clair McFarlandOctober 17, 2024
Man Charged With Bludgeoning Mother To Death May Be Sane Now
Israel Melvin, 24, charged with murder after police found his mother bludgeoned to death in January, is sane enough for a competency hearing, his attorney and a judge indicated Wednesday.
Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2024
Rock Springs Police Officers Literally Dodge Bullets Fired From House
Rock Springs police say a man shot at them from inside his home Monday, barely missing an officer who ducked. Police arrested Kevin William Lorentzen on suspicion of aggravated assault and reckless endangering.
Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2024
Wyoming Wants Supreme Court To Let States Decide Bans On Child Sex Changes
Wyoming joined 21 other states Tuesday urging the U.S. Supreme Court to leave decisions about regulating child sex changes to states. The federal government, on the other hand, says access to child sex changes is a constitutional right.
Clair McFarlandOctober 16, 2024
Special Prosecutor To Review Thermopolis Officer-Involved Shooting
Fremont County Attorney Patrick LeBrun has been appointed as the special prosecutor investigating a Sept. 9 Thermopolis officer-involved shooting, LeBrun confirmed Tuesday. It's his fifth time reviewing an officer-involved shooting.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2024
Search For Missing Hiker Stopped After U.S. Forest Service Denies Helicopter Drop
U.S. Forest Service authorities declined to authorize a helicopter drop of searchers into a remote region to look for missing hiker Austin King, who vanished last month. Federal officials said the attempt was too risky.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2024
50 Investigators Search For More Body Parts In Field South Of Cheyenne
Construction workers found human remains on private land south of Cheyenne on Monday. About 50 investigators were on scene Tuesday, searching for the rest of the body.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2024
Construction Workers Find Human Remains South Of Cheyenne
A construction crew found human remains Monday on private land south of Cheyenne. Investigators say portions of the body were scattered due to weather or wild animals.
Clair McFarlandOctober 15, 2024
Lander Man Accused Of Stalking And Beating Ex With Bat Caught After Four Years
A Lander, Wyoming, man accused of beating his ex-girlfriend and her boyfriend with a baseball bat saw his case rise to the felony-level court Friday — four years after charges were first filed.
Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2024
Man Accused Of Gunning Down Disabled Landlord Drops Insanity Plea
A Fremont County man accused of gunning down and killing his former landlord, who was in a wheelchair, has dropped an insanity plea. Burdick Seminole allegedly told police he had enough of the other man “talking smack” about him.
Clair McFarlandOctober 14, 2024
Reader Question: What Are Those Broken Heart Signs Along Wyoming Highways?
A Cowboy State Daily reader asked us about those white and red signs on the highway that feature a broken heart and a dove. They act as memorials for families in honor of their loved ones who lost their lives in traffic crashes on state and federal highways and interstates.
Jackie DorothyOctober 13, 2024
Be Cautious With QR Codes: The Latest Scams Are Ingenious
Wyoming cybersecurity experts warn about a growing threat going into the holiday season — scanning QR codes with your phone. If you’re not careful, they can be yet another way digital thieves can rob you blind.
Jen KocherOctober 13, 2024
At 14, Dale Warner Threatened School Killings In Gillette; Now He Says Prison Saved His Life
Dale Warner was 14 when he brought two guns to a Wyoming junior high school and threatened to kill people. Now 20 and serving a 12- to 20-year sentence, he says prison saved his life.
Jen KocherOctober 12, 2024
Judge Wants Guatemalan Man Deported From Rock Springs After Fourth DUI
A Guatemalan man who smashed into a parked trailer in Rock Springs while drunk, leading to his fourth DUI arrest in the United States, was ordered to report for deportation this week.
Clair McFarlandOctober 11, 2024
Sheridan Deputies Find Burglary Evidence All Over Suspects' Snapchat
Four young men face felony charges after at least one of them posted evidence to Snapchat of their alleged escapades robbing the Big Horn Y gas station in Sheridan, Wyoming. One suspect reportedly texted a Snapchat contact, “Yeah, We Robbed It.”
Clair McFarlandOctober 11, 2024
Missing Yellowstone Hiker's Note A Clue For Volunteer Search Teams Now Mobilizing
The father of a 22-year-old hiker missing since Sept. 17 after summiting Yellowstone’s highest peak is coordinating private and volunteer search teams to help find his son. One of their clues is a note the hiker left at the mountain's summit.
Clair McFarlandOctober 11, 2024
Driver Accused Of 'Catastrophically Dismembering' Motorcyclists Pleads Not Guilty
A man accused of smashing into a trike motorcycle on a Wyoming highway so hard the two riders were “catastrophically dismembered” pleaded not guilty Thursday. An investigation shows he was allegedly high on meth and driving at least 86 mph.
Clair McFarlandOctober 10, 2024
Casper Officer Cleared To Return To Duty After Not Charged In Shooting
A Casper Police Department officer who won’t be charged for shooting and killing a domestic violence suspect has been cleared to return to duty, the CPD announced Thursday.
Clair McFarlandOctober 10, 2024
Judge Orders OK Of Controversial 195-Foot Cell Tower Just Outside Yellowstone
A federal judge has ordered the Park County Commission to approve a company's request to build a 195-foot cellphone tower in a scenic area just outside Yellowstone National Park — by Friday. The county is fighting the order in a higher court.
Clair McFarlandOctober 10, 2024
No Charges For Officer Who Shot, Killed Casper Man Who Talked About "Death By Cop"
Citing a shortage of evidence to support a criminal case, Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen decided this week not to charge a Casper Police Department officer who shot and killed Trae Spurlock, 26, in June.
Clair McFarlandOctober 10, 2024
Stabbed 8 Times, Gillette Woman Wracked With Nightmares
A Gillette woman whose husband is accused of stabbing her eight times Saturday says she now has nightmares that keep her awake. She also has some hard-won advice for other domestic violence victims: “definitely get out.”
Clair McFarlandOctober 08, 2024
“I’ll Miss You Forever,” Posts Daughter Of Sundance Man Shot By Deputy
The Crook County coroner has identified the man killed in a deputy-involved shooting Saturday in Sundance, Wyoming, as 48-year-old Joseph Keith Neimeyer. “I’ll miss you forever,” his adult daughter posted to Facebook.
Clair McFarlandOctober 08, 2024
Douglas Police Shoot Person While Responding To Domestic Disturbance
A Douglas police officer responding to a domestic disturbance shot a person after police say he or she displayed a handgun. The person was taken to a Converse County hospital, but whether the person survived or not hasn't been reported.
Clair McFarlandOctober 08, 2024
Former Casper Detectives To Get $200K For Claims Of Sexually Hostile Workplace
Two former female Casper police detectives will get $200,000 to settle claims of a sexually hostile workplace. Those include a male detective bragging to them about the size of his penis.
Clair McFarlandOctober 07, 2024
Gillette Man Accused Of Stabbing Woman Repeatedly Caught After Brief Manhunt
Accused of stabbing a woman repeatedly before sparking a one-day manhunt, a Gillette man was in court Monday. John Stetson Bosh had previously been convicted for strangulating a household member, according to a prosecutor.
Clair McFarlandOctober 07, 2024
Crook County Deputy Shoots And Kills Home Invasion Suspect
Crook County deputies shot and killed a home invasion suspect Saturday in Sundance, Wyoming. The suspect was found walking nearby and reportedly raised a gun toward one of the deputies.
Clair McFarlandOctober 07, 2024
Man Shows Weapon To Natrona County Deputy At Traffic Stop, Flees, Takes Own Life
The Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation is investigating a Casper traffic stop on Sunday where the driver showed a weapon to a deputy, fired it, and drove off. After pursuit, the individual took his own life.
Dale KillingbeckOctober 06, 2024
Zwonitzer Voted For Wyoming’s Child Sex-Change Ban, Now Arguing Against Tennessee’s
State Rep. Dan Zwonitzer voted for Wyoming’s ban on sex-change treatments for children, but is arguing in the Supreme Court against a similar ban in Tennessee. He says his Wyoming vote was a compromise, and he’s fighting for parental rights.
Clair McFarlandOctober 04, 2024
Teen Charged In Cheyenne School Shooting Threat Had Paper Gun
An 18-year-old charged with making a shooting threat at Cheyenne East High School last week turned himself in to police Tuesday. He reportedly had a paper gun in the school.
Clair McFarlandOctober 03, 2024
Prosecutor Has Evidence To Try Lyman Man For Murder One, Judge Rules
A Lyman, Wyoming, man accused of killing an acquaintance by shooting him 6-10 times with a .45-caliber pistol will face a first-degree murder charge. An Evanston judge advanced his case to felony-level court Thursday.
Clair McFarlandOctober 03, 2024
Former Riverton Officer’s Lawsuit Settlement Was $5,000
The City of Riverton on Wednesday released its lawsuit settlement agreement with Billy Whiteplume, a former Riverton police detective, revealing that the city’s liability pool paid out $5,000.
Clair McFarlandOctober 03, 2024
Cody Pair Accused Of Trafficking 7,000 Fentanyl Pills, Meth From Aurora, Colorado
Korinne McKay and Wayne Wright of Cody face up to 80 years in prison each for allegedly bringing 7,000 fentanyl pills and meth into Wyoming. They're accused of trafficking the drugs from Aurora, Colorado.
Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2024
Missing Yellowstone Hiker’s Dad: “Just Keep Praying For Him”
Austin King hasn't been heard of since to summited the tallest peak in Yellowstone National Park on Sept. 17. The 22-year-old's father asks people to "just keep praying for him" even as officials scale back search efforts for him.
Clair McFarlandOctober 02, 2024
Wyoming Parents Suing Over School's Gender Transition Tap National Expert
The couple suing a Wyoming school district on claims that staffers worked to socially gender-transition their teen behind their backs is planning to bring a nationally known expert to trial with them.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2024
Johnson County Prosecutor's Wife Pleads Guilty To Starting 30-Acre Fire
Wife of Johnson County’s top prosecutor admits starting a 30-acre wildfire the same day the House Draw fire was started. While pleading guilty, Laura Ruby told a judge she used a burn barrel on her property during a county burning ban.
Clair McFarlandOctober 01, 2024
Former Riverton Police Officer Who Claimed Hostile, Racist Treatment Settles Lawsuit
The first enrolled Northern Arapaho Tribal member to become a Riverton police officer has settled a lawsuit he filed against the Riverton Police Department and city. He had claimed a hostile and racially offensive work environment.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 30, 2024
Cheyenne Man Gets 5-7 Years For Shooting Man In Foot In “Instance Of Stupidity”
A 19-year-old Cheyenne man got five to seven years in prison Monday for shooting his brother's justified killer in the foot earlier this year. Saying the crime doesn’t fit his character, the judge called the shooting an “instance of stupidity.”
Clair McFarlandSeptember 30, 2024
Man Accused Of Bleaching Out $1 Bills To Make $100 Bills Could Get 45 Years
An Oregon man caught in a Wyoming drug bust is accused in a federal indictment of bleaching out $1 bills to make fake $100 bills. Although he was acquitted on the drug charges, he could get up to 45 years if convicted of counterfeiting.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 30, 2024
Some Casper Parents Keep Kids Home After School Threat To Kill People
A threat posted online that a student planned to kill people at noon Monday prompted some parents to keep their kids home. They’re also frustrated from a lack of information and a perception the district and police are downplaying the threat.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 30, 2024
Family Says Search For Missing Yellowstone Hiker Shifts From “Rescue” To “Recovery”
A search in Yellowstone National Park for a missing 22-year-old hiker has shifted focus from “rescue” to “recovery,” the man’s family has announced. But the park was unwilling Friday to confirm that.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 27, 2024
18-Year-Old Charged In Fourth Of July Shooting Over Fireworks At Casper Park
An 18-year-old has been charged nearly three months after a man was shot in a Casper park on the Fourth of July during a dispute over fireworks. A video of the shooting surfaced earlier this month and clearly shows the suspect’s face, police report.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 27, 2024
Thermopolis Man Gets 30-50 Years For Molesting Boy For 10 Years
A 44-year-old Thermopolis, Wyoming, man was sentenced to between 30 and 50 years in prison for molesting a boy from ages 4-14, according to an order filed Thursday. He reportedly finally stopped when another boy claimed he also was molested.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 27, 2024
Suspect In Ethete Convenience Store Shooting Pleads Not Guilty
A Fremont County man pleaded not guilty Thursday to claims that he shot another man repeatedly outside a convenience store in Ethete, Wyoming, last month. Dustin Larson Trosper could face between 25 years and life in prison.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 27, 2024
Accused Torrington Girlfriend-Beater Evaded Earlier Charges For Eight Years
A Torrington, Wyoming, man accused of brutally beating and pistol-whipping his girlfriend had evaded police for eight years on earlier charges. Those cases also include allegations of beating another woman, burglary.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 27, 2024
Fake Post About Kid Shot At East High In Cheyenne Sparks Fear, Frustration
A fake social media post claiming a student had been shot at East High School in Cheyenne triggered local parents into a frenzy of fear and worry Thursday. There was a report of a student with a gun at school, but it wasn’t true, police say.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 26, 2024
Wyoming Man Admits Killing Another During Drug Deal Gone Bad
An Evansville, Wyoming, man admitted Thursday that he killed another during a Feb. 1 drug deal gone bad in Casper. By pleading guilty to involuntary manslaughter, Rajion Vu avoids a second-degree murder trial.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 26, 2024
Quick-Acting Teacher Discovers Gun At Rock Springs High School
An alert teacher discovered a Rock Springs High School student had a firearm in the school and confiscated it Thursday morning. The discovery led to the arrest of a male student.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 26, 2024
Gillette Man Accused Of Exposing Himself To Young Boy In Store Bathroom
A 54-year-old Gillette man is accused of exposing himself to a young boy in a Walmart bathroom. The man allegedly admitted exposing himself, but denies asking the boy to touch him.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 26, 2024
Wyoming Woman Who Tortured, Starved And Confined Son Gets 10 Years
An Arapahoe, Wyoming, woman who tortured and starved her 13-year-old son last year was sentenced to 10 years in prison Tuesday. Kandace Sitting Eagle and her husband Truman also beat him and kept him trapped in his room.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 26, 2024
Jackson Police Catch Suspected Serial Flasher, Who Says Pants Just “Fell Down”
Hours after posting to Facebook about an alleged serial flasher, Jackson police arrested a local man. He gave a “mild admission” to flashing multiple women and girls, saying his pants just “fell down” while wiping sweat from his face.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 25, 2024
Cody Police Arrest Man Accused Of Montana Road Rage Death
Cody police arrested a man Tuesday on allegations he killed someone in a road rage-induced hit-and-run in. That was a day after he was released on bond in a case where he fired a crossbow bolts onto an airport runway.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 25, 2024
Rancher Who Claimed Horses Were “Poisoned” Fined For Starving Them
A Shawnee, Wyoming, rancher was fined $500 Tuesday in Douglas Circuit Court after pleading no contest to starving horses he’d earlier claimed were poisoned. But Joe Bright maintains he's innocent and loves his horses like family.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2024
Brief: Police Searching For Serial Flasher Loose In Jackson
A serial flasher is on the loose in Jackson, Wyoming, police say. He’s described as a male on the smaller side, standing 5-foot-5 and about 130 pounds with black hair.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 24, 2024
No Death Penalty For Accused Coin Shop Killer, $500,000 Bond Set
The man accused of gunning down two people in a Cheyenne coin shop in 2015 won’t face the death penalty if convicted. That makes him eligible for bond, which a judge on Monday set at $500,000.
Leo WolfsonSeptember 24, 2024
Wyoming Supreme Court Opens Door To Sue Cops, Legislators Want To Close It
The Wyoming Supreme Court opened the door for people to sue cops for negligent investigations. But some state legislators want to close it, voting Friday to draft a bill that would undo the high court’s ruling.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2024
Casper Man Accused Of Firing Crossbow Bolt Through Ex’s Window
A 47-year-old Casper man is accused of firing crossbow bolts at the home of his ex-girlfriend, including one that went through her window. During his initial hearing Friday, Casey Jackson said the charges are “all alleged.”
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 23, 2024
Yellowstone Concession Worker Vanishes After Summiting Park’s Highest Peak
The search is on for Austin King, a 22-year-old concession worker at Yellowstone, who reached the top of the park's highest peak last Tuesday and hasn’t been heard from since. An experienced hiking guide in the area says weather, terrain and bears are all potential hazards.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 23, 2024
Riverton Man Could Get 10 Years For Skip-Scanning $2,200 Worth Of Football Cards
A Riverton man is accused of scanning cheap Post-it notes and other items instead of $2,200 worth of football trading cards at the local Walmart. The skip-scanning scam could get him 10 years in prison.
Jen KocherSeptember 23, 2024
Should Adults Convicted As Teens And Serving Life Sentences Get a Second Chance?
After Chris Hicks was convicted of conspiracy to commit two murders at age 19, he was sentenced to life without parole. Now 18 years later, his lawyer is trying to overturn the sentence to give him a second chance.
Jen KocherSeptember 22, 2024
Rocky Mountain High: Utah "Absolutely Obliterates" Record For Fentanyl Seizures
In the first quarter of 2024, the DEA has seized a record number of fentanyl pills in the Rocky Mountain region and is on pace to break all records in the area. Utah “absolutely obliterated” its record for fentanyl seizures and Colorado is likely to break its record too.
Jen KocherSeptember 21, 2024
'Sovereign Citizen' Gets 7 Years In Prison For Having Guns As A Felon
A Casper, Wyoming, man was sentenced Friday to seven years in prison for being a felon in possession of firearms. Saying he’s a sovereign citizen, he told officers during a traffic stop they’d have to kill him before eventually surrendering.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 21, 2024
Wyoming Cop Trainer Blames Break-Ins, Lawsuits On Poor Search And Seizure Training
A Casper police sergeant who teaches other cops search and seizure laws told Wyoming lawmakers Thursday that cops need better training. He said that may prevent problems like a recent cop break-in court settlement and a cop-involved shooting.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 20, 2024
Wyoming Crime Lab Fails Proficiency, Has To Review More Than 400 Past Gun Tests
After failing a firearms proficiency test, the Wyoming State Crime Laboratory is arranging for evidence re-testing in more than 400 cases from the past decade, the Attorney General told lawmakers Thursday.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 20, 2024
Matthew Shepard Killer's Commutation Request Denied
Russell Henderson, one of two men convicted in Matthew Shepard’s 1998 murder, tried and failed to have his sentence commuted this month, the Wyoming Board of Parole confirmed Thursday to Cowboy State Daily.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 20, 2024
Shots Near Torrington School Raise Alert, But It Was Just A Cow Being Put Down
There was a bit of a scare at Torrington High School Thursday afternoon when shots rang out near the school and then a malfunction sounded the fire alarm. Turns out, the shots were from a nearby livestock sale barn where a cow was put down.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 19, 2024
Yellowstone Releases Body Camera Footage From July 4 Shootout
Body camera video released Thursday by the National Park Service gives more detail about a July 4 shootout with a Yellowstone concession worker. The worker reportedly threatened a mass shooting, then shot at rangers before being killed.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 19, 2024
Laramie Man Arrested On Claims He Breached Capitol Jan. 6, Wrestled Officer
A Laramie man could face years in prison on claims he was one of the first rioters to enter the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. In a Wednesday statement, the U.S. Attorney's Office alleges he also wrestled with a Capitol Police officer.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 19, 2024
Superior Mayor Wants More Policing, Sheriff Says He Wants Special Treatment
The mayor of Superior, Wyoming — population 180 — complained to the Sweetwater County Commission on Tuesday his town needs more policing. The sheriff says he does handle issues in the town, but the mayor wants special treatment.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 18, 2024
Tourist Burned, Life-Flighted After Walking On Yellowstone Thermal
A 60-year-old tourist from New Hampshire suffered second- and third-degree burns after walking off-trail over a geothermal crust in Yellowstone. The woman was life-flighted to a hospital in Idaho.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 18, 2024
Two Motorcyclists Dead From Crashing Into Same Cheyenne Building Within 3 Weeks
Two motorcyclists have been killed in the past three weeks after crashing into the same building in Cheyenne. In both cases, the police believe speed was a factor.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 18, 2024
Feds Say Wyoming Farmers, Miners Not Entitled To Relief From New Lease Rule
In a Friday court filing the federal government defends a new rule that allows the BLM to lease federal land for conservation. Wyoming famers and miners are suing over the rule, which they say allows groups to lease public land solely to not develop on it.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 17, 2024
Sheridan Man Accused Of Dousing Couple With Lighter Fluid So They’d Shoot Him
A Sheridan man will face felony charges for allegedly dousing a sleeping couple with lighter fluid. He reportedly told police he did it to prompt them to shoot him.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 17, 2024
Sheridan County Commissioner Gets Maximum Fine, 8 Days In Jail For DUI
Sheridan County Commissioner Christi Haswell has pleaded guilty to drunk driving and will serve eight days in jail as part of a plea agreement. She also got the maximum fine allowed and a year of unsupervised probation.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2024
Idaho Company's Bungee Jump From Casper Crime Scene Leaves People Shocked, Sad
People in Casper were shocked and saddened over the weekend when they saw an Idaho company holding bungee-jump sessions at the scene of a crime so tragic that one crime writer called it “the loss of innocence for a whole community.”
Clair McFarlandSeptember 16, 2024
Rock Springs Police Search For Missing 7-Year-Old Who Is Not A Runaway
Update: child has been found. The Rock Springs Police Department is asking for the public's help finding 7-year-old Leo Ressler, an autistic boy who went missing Sunday afternoon. Authorities say he's not a runaway, and he's considered "missing and endangered."
Clair McFarlandSeptember 15, 2024
Elderly Laramie Man Missing Three Weeks Found Dead In His Car
The family of a Laramie man who has been missing for three weeks said they were "devastated" to learn he was found dead in his vehicle Friday, having run off a road into a ravine in a rural part of Carbon County.
Jen KocherSeptember 14, 2024
‘I believe he killed her’: Boyfriend Of Missing Cody Woman Gets 7 Years On Gun Charge
The boyfriend of a missing Cody woman got seven years in prison Friday on a gun-related charge. But his sentencing unfolded like a murder trial with grisly evidence, and at one point an FBI agent bluntly testifying, “I believe he killed her.”
Clair McFarlandSeptember 14, 2024
Riverton Man Gets 15-20 Years For Burning Girlfriend To Death With Gasoline
A Riverton, Wyoming, man who initially claimed pouring gasoline inside his house, lighting it on fire and killing his girlfriend an accident got 15-20 years in prison Friday. The judge didn’t buy it, saying that “this was not an accident.”
Clair McFarlandSeptember 13, 2024
Gillette Prosecutor Blasts Defense Attorney For Getting Victim’s Phone Records
A Gillette, Wyoming, prosecutor is blasting a defense attorney for getting nearly two years’ worth of an alleged crime victim’s personal phone records. Even if it’s a questionable thing to do, it could be allowed under Wyoming law.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 13, 2024
Accused Casper Dealer Named “T-Bone” Tries To Flush Drugs, Charged Anyway
A Casper man who goes by “T-Bone” is accused of dealing drugs and trying to flush the evidence, but faces six felony charges anyway. He attended his first court hearing Thursday via video.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 12, 2024
Gillette Teen Pleads Guilty To Soliciting Kids, Bestiality Charge To Be Dropped
A 19-year-old Gillette man has pleaded guilty to five instances of soliciting kids for sex acts, while a charge of bestiality will be dropped. He was busted after a 15-year-old vigilante caught him by setting up a fake Snapchat account.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 12, 2024
Cody Middle-Schooler OK After Running Into Vehicle With Bicycle
A Cody Middle School student is home and "doing good" after a scary incident Thursday morning. Coming fast down a hill on his bicycle, the boy ran into a vehicle, prompting an ambulance response.
Andrew RossiSeptember 12, 2024
YouTube Predator Hunter Busts Wyoming Man In Child Sex Sting
A Hudson, Wyoming, man remains in jail after he was confronted by an online child predator hunter. A video shows Sean Brennan busted at his job in Lander — and getting immediately fired by his boss.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2024
“We’re Here To Support Him:” Large Turnout For Riverton Cop’s Felony Steroids Hearing
A crowd of about 20 loved ones attended the initial hearing of a now-former Riverton police officer facing up to five years in prison on a felony steroids possession charge. Some of the people who attended Alley’s hearing wept. All appeared somber throughout.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 11, 2024
Substitute Teacher Claims Cheyenne Police Attacked Him For Being Black
A local man who was kicked out of East High School recently for refusing to use preferred transgender names is suing Cheyenne police. In a Monday lawsuit, he claims he was mistreated and racially profiled during an arrest.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2024
Cheyenne Police Sued Again By Man Who Just Won $127K Settlement
A man who two weeks ago won a $127,500 settlement for alleged mistreatment by a pair of former Cheyenne police officers is suing again. In a lawsuit filed Friday, he now claims police mistreated him during another arrest.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2024
Man Killed In Thermopolis Officer-Involved Shooting ID’d, 2 Officers On Leave
The man killed during an officer-involved shooting in Thermopolis, Wyoming, on Monday evening as been identified as a local 41-year-old. Also, a police officer and deputy are on paid leave during an investigation into the shooting.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2024
Officer-Involved Shooting In Thermopolis After Baseball Bat Incident
Eyewitnesses reported hearing around 10 shots Monday in Thermopolis, Wyoming, after police were called for a welfare check on a man seen thrashing his home and surroundings with a baseball bat. Authorities have confirmed an officer-involved shooting happened.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 10, 2024
Semi Hitting Another Parked On Shoulder Caused Fatal Crash That Closed I-80
The fiery and fatal crash that closed I-80 for more than eight hours Saturday was caused by a semi smashing into another parked on the shoulder. The Wyoming Highway Patrol on Monday said the driver who hit the parked semi was killed.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 09, 2024
Jackson Worker Who Beat Man For Refusing Sexual Advances Gets 3-5 Years
A Jackson, Wyoming, ski resort worker pleaded guilty to brutally beating another man who reportedly refused his sexual advances. A District Court judge gave him three to five years in prison last week.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 09, 2024
Search Still On For Man Who Vanished In Wyoming On Way To See Kanye West In 2020
Authorities say they’re getting closer to determining what happened to a Washington, D.C., man who vanished in Wyoming, reportedly on his way to see Kanye West in 2020. Although four years old, they say the case isn’t cold.
Jen KocherSeptember 08, 2024
One Dead After Fiery Semi Crash On Interstate 80 Near Rawlins
A fiery and fatal crash involving two semitrailers Saturday morning closed eastbound I-80 for miles before and after Rawlins for most of the day.
Greg JohnsonSeptember 07, 2024
Suspected Venezuelan Gang Member In Cheyenne Jail, Sheriff Concerned
Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak told Cowboy State Daily a suspected Venezuelan gang member is one of five undocumented aliens in the county jail. He said he is concerned about reported Colorado gang violence because what happens there winds up in Wyoming eventually.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2024
Afton Woman Accused Of Stealing Blowtorch, Biting People And Trying To Seduce Cop
A highly intoxicated Afton, Wyoming, woman faces multiple charges after allegedly tried to break into a house, stole a blowtorch and drugs, and bit someone. She’s also accused of trying to seduce a deputy during her arrest.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2024
Teen Accused Of Stabbing Mom In Back Asks For Mental Health Test
A 17-year-old Campbell County boy accused of stabbing his mother in the back while she was sleeping asked the court Friday for a mental health test. He’s been charged as an adult with attempted first-degree murder.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2024
No New Divorce Trial For Gillette Man Who Claims Wife Tried To Have Him Killed
A judge on Thursday said a Gillette, Wyoming, man’s claims that his wife tried to have him killed aren’t enough to win a new divorce trial. "The allegations show maybe a little smoke ... but don't really show any fire," the judge said.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 06, 2024
Pair Of Cheyenne Men Accused Of Shooting At Multiple Police Officers
Two Cheyenne men were arrested early Thursday, accused of shooting at two police officers. By pure coincidence, their arrest came just hours after another man accused of firing on one of the shooters earlier this summer turned himself in.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 05, 2024
Gillette Man Who Threw Molester In Car Trunk Gets 9-10 Years, Molester Gets 10-14
A Gillette man who beat and threw a 14-year-old girl’s sexual abuser in a car trunk last year was given 9-10 years in prison last week. Meanwhile, the man he kidnapped got 10-14 years for molesting the girl.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 05, 2024
“Go Screw Yourself”: Scrap Buyers Deny Claims They Stole From Wyoming Coal Mine
A father and son from Texas are accused of cheating a Wyoming coal mine out of $70,000 worth of scrap metal. They deny the allegations fiercely, telling Cowboy State Daily to “go screw yourself” for reporting on the case.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 04, 2024
Brief: Rock Springs Police Want Truck That Hit Cannon Statue At WWII Memorial
Rock Springs police are looking for an early 1990s model GMC single-cab grey truck suspected of hitting a memorial cannon statue in town. The driver knocked a plaque off the cannon, which is part of a World War II memorial, Tuesday night.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 04, 2024
Violent String Of Casper Teen Crimes Continues With Pistol-Whipping, Shooting
A violent monthslong string of teen crime in Casper continues with a pistol-whipping and shooting at a car. A 19-year-old was bound over to felony-level court Tuesday, accused of attacking one person and shooting at a car full of cousins.
Dale KillingbeckSeptember 04, 2024
Buffalo Man Accused Of Threatening Grocery Store, Police Standoff
A Buffalo, Wyoming, man faces more than five years in prison on claims he pointed a .223-caliber rifle toward a busy street and grocery store while preparing for a standoff with police on his front porch.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 04, 2024
Murder Charge For Lyman Man Accused Of Shooting Man 10 Times With .45
A Lyman, Wyoming, man has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of another man near Fort Bridger over the weekend. The victim was shot roughly 10 times with a .45-caliber handgun.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 03, 2024
Hunters In Right Place, Right Time To Rescue Crashed Pilot Near Meeteetse
A Black Hawk pilot and former sports trainer were hunting in the right place at the right time Sunday to rescue a pilot who crashed his plane near Meeteetse, Wyoming. He’s recovering, but a 78-year-old Arizona woman on board was killed in the crash.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 03, 2024
Wrong-Way Driver Who Killed 5 On I-80 Gets 98-110 Years, And Dad’s Forgiveness
The wrong-way driver high on meth who triggered a chain-reaction crash on I-80 last year that killed five young people got 98-110 years in prison Tuesday. He also got forgiveness from the father of two young women he killed.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 03, 2024
Woman Killed In Plane Crash Near Meeteetse That Also Sparked Fire
The Park County coroner has confirmed one person died, a woman, in a plane crash near Meeteetse, Wyoming, on Sunday. The crash also sparked a fire.
Clair McFarlandSeptember 01, 2024
One Person Dead, 2 Arrested After Shooting Near Fort Bridger Rendezvous
A Saturday evening shooting at a home near the Fort Bridger historic site left one person dead and two arrested. The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office identified the victim late Sunday as Jeremy Jacques, 48.
September 01, 2024
Men Charged With Destroying Ancient Rock Formation Will Likely Get Slap On The Wrist
Although two Nevada men face up to 10 years in prison for allegedly pushing gigantic 140 million-year-old rocks over a cliff at Lake Mead, law enforcement experts say they won’t do any time. They’ll likely get a slap on the wrist, they say.
Mark HeinzAugust 31, 2024
‘I Hope I Killed One,’ Says Casper Teen Accused Of Shooting 5 Times Into Home
A 15-year-old Casper boy accused of shooting five times into a mobile home reportedly said afterward, “I hope I killed one.” His preliminary hearing was waived Thursday, clearing the way for a felony prosecution.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 30, 2024
Man Who Took Woman From Bloomberg Ranch, Held Her Hostage At Cheyenne Motel, Convicted
A Colorado man intent on killing media mogul Michael Bloomberg, but instead kidnapped a woman, was convicted Wednesday. He was caught holding her hostage in a Cheyenne motel.
Clair McFarlandAugust 30, 2024
Casper Man Admits Sex Contact With A Child And Making Child Porn
A 25-year-old Casper admits he had sexual contact with a child, as well as making and possessing child porn. Christopher Schmidt made the admission Friday while pleading guilty to seven felony charges.
Dale KillingbeckAugust 30, 2024
Wyoming Man Gets 15-20 Years In State’s First Fentanyl Overdose Conviction
A Wyoming man was given 15-20 years in prison Thursday for selling the fentanyl-laced drugs that killed a Cody man last year. It’s Wyoming’s first such conviction.
Jen KocherAugust 30, 2024
Fired Gillette Librarian Wants To Use Texas Ruling For LGBTQ Discrimination Suit
A Texas court ruling could impact the lawsuit of a former Wyoming librarian fired for refusing to remove books. A Thursday motion from the former Gillette library director says the Texas ruling opens the door for an LGBTQ discrimination claim.
Clair McFarlandAugust 30, 2024
Judge Rejects Self-Defense Claim Of Woman Who Bear-Sprayed Visitor At Campsite
A Wyoming judge on Thursday rejected a tourist’s claim that bear-spraying an unwelcome visitor to her Bridger Teton National Forest campsite was self-defense. Her aggravated assault case can go forward to trial.
Clair McFarlandAugust 30, 2024
Lawyer Who Won $127K For Cheyenne Police Break-In Now Suing Guernsey Cops
A former Guernsey man is suing two cops and the former police chief for tasing him during a warrant service. He’s represented by the same lawyer who just won a $127,000 settlement for a similar case involving a Cheyenne police break-in.
Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2024
Casper Doctor Sues Gordon For Forcing Him Off State Board Of Medicine
Dr. Eric Cubin sued Gov. Mark Gordon on Thursday for being forced off the Wyoming State Board of Medicine. Cubin says he was forced to resign after publicly supporting a law banning transgender treatments for children and wants his board seat back.
Leo WolfsonAugust 29, 2024
Judge Gives Final Go-Ahead For Controversial 101-Foot-Tall Cody LDS Temple
The drama and legal wrangling over a controversial 101-foot-tall LDS temple in Cody, Wyoming, appears to be over — at least for now. A judge has ruled against a temple opposition group, clearing the way for construction to begin.
Leo WolfsonAugust 29, 2024
Pilot Declared Emergency Before Plane Crash That Killed Gospel Group
The pilot declared an emergency before it crashed in northeast Wyoming in late July, killing all seven on board, according to a Wednesday NTSB report. Among those killed were three members of the Gospel Hall of Fame group The Nelons.
Clair McFarlandAugust 29, 2024