Crime & Courts | Cowboy State Daily

Berry Bryant's gravestone at Mountain View Cemetery in Riverton.

Murder Of Wyoming College Student Still Raw For Family After Nearly 30 Years

In 1996, 18-year-old Berry Bryant of Riverton was murdered by a fellow Northwest College student. Her brother, Ryan, says her death is still raw for the family and he wants to keep Berry’s memory alive — even if it means laughing about it on a podcast.

Jen KocherApril 19, 2025

Ronald Allington barricaded himself inside home for 11 hours this week thrust a Samurai-style katana sword through a door at cops, police say. He also brandished a BB gun that looked like a Sig Sauer pistol.

Standoff Suspect Thrust Katana Sword Through Door, Pointed BB Pistol, Police Say

The Riverton man who barricaded himself inside home for 11 hours this week thrust a Samurai-style katana sword through a door at cops, police say. He also brandished a BB gun that looked like a Sig Sauer pistol.

Clair McFarlandApril 18, 2025

Flaggers and other road work crews are busy during the spring and summer season making repairs and upgrades.

Oregon Man Charged With Assault Says Yellowstone Flagger Jumped In Front Of Jeep

An Oregon man faces the felony charge of attacking a government employee after authorities say he hit a Yellowstone National Park flagger with his Jeep. The man counters, saying the flagger jumped in front of his Jeep and tried to stop it with his hands.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Brief: Gillette Man Didn’t Know Gun Was Loaded When He Shot Pet Cat Dead

A 19-year-old unintentionally killed an 8-year-old pet tabby cat while using it for what he thought was dry-fire, or unloaded, target practice inside a Gillette home Wednesday morning, police say.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

The back of the home on Pinecrest Street in Riverton that Ron Allington shares with his mother - after an 11-hour law enforcement standoff Wednesday and Thursday.

Riverton Standoff Suspect Was Supposed To Get Probation, Then Skipped Court

A Riverton man who prompted an 11-hour police standoff Wednesday and Thursday was wanted because he skipped a court hearing. At that hearing, he was supposed to receive probation on a felony-level charge for threatening to shoot up the local hospital.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

Steven Marler, left, consults with his attorneys following a morning court session earlier this week.

Judge Closes Courtroom To Casper Foster Dad Trial

A judge closed the Casper courtroom Thursday where Steven Marler is on trial for multiple sexual abuse charges involving his adopted children and former foster children. The pause was to deal with legal issues.

Dale KillingbeckApril 17, 2025

Gillette, Wyoming, police investigated the death of an 88-year-old assisted living patient found dead outside in a courtyard of the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.

Former Gillette Nursing Assistant Charged In Freezing Death Of 88-Year-Old Dementia Patient

A 57-year-old nursing assistant at the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette has been charged with manslaughter in the freezing death of a resident. The 88-year-old woman with dementia was found frozen in an outdoor courtyard of the facility.

Jen KocherApril 17, 2025

Wanted Riverton Man Tear-Gassed, Arrested To End 11-Hour Armed Standoff

A Riverton man wanted on a warrant for allegedly threatening to "shoot up" a hospital barricaded himself inside a house for about 11 hours before being tear-gassed and arrested just before 4 a.m. Thursday. He was armed with a knife and gun, police report.

Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonApril 17, 2025

Riverton and Lander police officers and Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies on Tuesday surrounded a Riverton home with their rifles out in an apparent standoff with a barricaded man.

Wanted Riverton Man In Standoff With Law Enforcement

Riverton and Lander police officers and Fremont County Sheriff’s deputies have surrounded a Riverton home as of late Wednesday evening with their rifles out in an apparent standoff with a barricaded man wanted on a warrant.

Clair McFarlandApril 17, 2025

5 Teens From Wyoming Juvenile Facility Caught In Nebraska With Stolen Vehicles

Details remain sparse about five teens ages 14-17 who reportedly left a juvenile facility in Wyoming and fled through Nebraska in two stolen vehicles Sunday, then leading authorities on a foot chase.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2025

Assailant Gets More Than 7 Years In Prison In “Kill The White Guy” Burglary Case

A Montana man was sentenced to just over seven years in prison for a botched home invasion that could’ve been worse if he had killed “the white guy,” as an accomplice urged.

David MadisonApril 16, 2025

Wyoming Tanker Truck Explosion That Killed Driver Ruled Accidental

The death of a woman Saturday in a tanker explosion north of Wright, Wyoming, was accidental, according to the Campbell County coroner. The exact origin of the explosion of a tanker carrying hydrochloric acid is still under investigation.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2025

Even after announcing Wednesday they've finally identified the remains of a John Doe found near a refinery in Cheyenne in 2023 as Neal D. Samson, 61, authorities still have a mystery on their hands.

Remains Of Cheyenne John Doe Identified, But Mystery Remains

Even after announcing Wednesday they've finally identified the remains of a John Doe found near a refinery in Cheyenne in 2023, authorities still have a mystery on their hands.

Jen KocherApril 16, 2025

Protestors outside the Wyoming Supreme Court in Cheyenne on April 16, 2025, before the court heard oral arguments on a challenge to state abortion bans.

Future Of Abortion In Wyoming Now In Hands Of State Supreme Court

The Wyoming Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that will determine the future of abortion in Wyoming. A pro-choice coalition argued women have a right to the procedure, while the state's attorney argued the Legislature can ban it.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2025

Members of the team prosecuting Steven Marler, Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen, left, and Assistant District Attorney Brandon Rosty, third from left, leave the courthouse earlier this week.

Casper Foster Dad’s Defense Questions Validity Of Sex Abuse Claims By Kids

After six days of testimony from Steven Marler’s former adopted and foster children claiming multiple sex assaults, he gets his turn. The defense for the Casper, Wyoming, man started presenting its case Wednesday, questioning the validity of those claims.

Dale KillingbeckApril 16, 2025

Steven Marler, center, talks with his attorneys, John Hummel, left, and Devon Petersen at noon Tuesday after the prosecution rested its case.

1 Child Sex Charge Thrown Out For Casper Foster Dad, 19 Still Active

Defense attorneys for an award-winning former foster dad Tuesday asked a Natrona County District Court judge for an acquittal of 11 of 20 sexual abuse charges. The prosecutor and judge responded by throwing out one of the charges.

Dale KillingbeckApril 16, 2025

A former Riverton firefighter, Charlie Joseph Lawrence, received a prison sentence of 7-12 years Tuesday. Multiple women came forward during a monthslong investigation saying he offered them rides, then groped them.

Former Firefighter Gets 7-12 Years For Groping Women While Giving Them Rides

A former Riverton firefighter received a prison sentence of 7-12 years Tuesday. Multiple women came forward during a monthslong investigation saying he offered them rides, then groped them.

Clair McFarlandApril 16, 2025

Squatters Suspected Of Starting Fire In Vacant Evanston Motel

Squatters staying in a vacant hotel in Evanston, Wyoming, are suspected of starting a fire Tuesday in the vacant Hillcrest Motel. Police report the owner of the motel has been trying to renovate it, but has been having problems evicting squatters.

Andrew RossiApril 15, 2025

Jackson Man Could Be Deported For The Eighth Time If Convicted

Federal deportation authorities Monday arrested a Mexican national in Teton County, Wyoming, who has been removed from the United States seven times in the past 20 years, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2025

In a “WKRP In Cincinnati”-inspired test, Cowboy State Daily columnist Rod Miller demonstrated the dangers of drunk driving. On a closed-course demonstration hosted by the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, he took shots and drove a riding lawnmower through cones.

National Police Conference To Feature Laramie County Drunk Driving Lawn Mower Test

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said the WKRP-inspired video of Wyoming columnist Rod Miller getting drunk and then driving on a riding lawnmower will be getting some national exposure. The video, which illustrates the dangers of drunk driving, will be featured at a national police conference.

Leo WolfsonApril 15, 2025

Nearly All Vedauwoo Volunteer Firefighters Resign, Upset With Board Actions

Nearly all members of the Vedauwoo Volunteer Fire Department resigned Thursday. Department leaders say the Albany County Fire District Board acted without transparency, while critics of the department say its members have been causing problems.

Clair McFarlandApril 15, 2025

More Graphic Testimony From Children In Casper Foster Dad Sex Abuse Trial

A former foster daughter of Steven Marler testified Monday about how he sexually assaulted her in the family’s master bedroom. Other former foster children also detailed alleged physical abuse in the family’s Casper Mountain home.

Dale KillingbeckApril 14, 2025

Escaped Human Smuggler Nabbed Again Near Montana U.S.-Canada Border

A woman previously convicted of human smuggling who later escaped from federal custody has been arrested again. She’s now accused of harboring illegal immigrants near the U.S.-Canada border in Montana.

David MadisonApril 14, 2025

Judge Says Ousted Gillette’s Librarian's Discrimination Lawsuit Can Go Forward

A fired Campbell County library director's lawsuit against the family that accused her of peddling pornography can go to forward, a federal judge ruled Friday. The judge said the civil suit can continue because the law protects LGBTQ advocates.

Clair McFarlandApril 14, 2025

Deep fakes and impersonations grow as Wyomingites continue to be scammed out of millions of dollars a year to cybercrimes. That includes a Gillette man who shelled out $11,000 this week in fake warrant scam.

Cybercriminals Get More Personal In Scamming Wyomingites Out Of Millions

Deep fakes and impersonations grow as Wyomingites continue to be scammed out of millions of dollars a year by cybercrimes. That includes a Gillette man who shelled out $11,000 this week in fake warrant scam.

Jen KocherApril 13, 2025

Natrona County District Attorney Dan Itzen, right, and other members of the team prosecuting Steven Marler are in their third day of scheduled three-week trial. Friday, one of defendant Steven Marler’s daughters testified.

Adopted Daughter Says She Was 9 Or 10 When Dad’s Massages Progressed To Rape

The adopted daughter of Casper foster dad Steven Marler, 50, testified Friday that she was 9 or 10 when his massages turned to molestations and rape. When he lost interest in her, she says he “was moving on to the younger girls.”

Dale KillingbeckApril 11, 2025

Two Men Accused Of Drunken Rampage That Left Kinnear Post Office ‘Trashed’

Two Fremont County men in their 20s are accused of trashing the post office of tiny Kinnear, Wyoming, early Monday morning. They were found afterward, passed out in a running truck, court documents say.

Clair McFarland & Greg JohnsonApril 11, 2025

Steven Marler, left, and attorneys John Hummel and Devon Petersen leave the Natrona County District Court for lunch on Thursday.

Jury Shown Home Videos Of Award-Winning Foster Dad On Trial For Sex Abuse

A naked boy with marks on his leg and his adopted father holding a belt were among the videos shown to jurors Thursday in the trial of an award-winning Casper foster dad facing 26 charges, including sexual abuse of children in his care.

Dale KillingbeckApril 10, 2025

Sheriff John Grossnickle signs an MOU with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to build a task force of up to five deputies who can enforce immigration laws.

Sweetwater County Sheriff Building Local ICE Task Force

Sweetwater County Sheriff John Grossnickle on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It will let the sheriff build an ICE task force with up to five of his own deputies.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2025

Neighbors Say “It’s A Miracle” All 9 Teens Survived Cokeville Head-On Crash

Kenny Petersen ran to the scene near his home where a pickup and SUV collided head-on Wednesday night outside Cokeville. There he and his wife found a grim scene, saying that “it’s a miracle” all nine high school-aged teens involved survived.

Justin GeorgeApril 10, 2025

Abortion Case Reassigned To Retired Judge Voters Can’t Oust

A pro-choice coalition’s court challenge to Wyoming’s newest abortion restrictions has been reassigned to a retired judge. That means he’s not up for retention every six years and can’t be ousted by voters.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2025

A Union Pacific locomotive pulls a string of empty cars through Wyoming's coal country.

Wyoming Man Who Says AI Driver Wrecked Train Settles With Union Pacific

A Pinedale, Wyoming, man secured a settlement against Union Pacific Railroad on Wednesday. He’d accused the railroad of making him work on a locomotive driven by an artificial intelligence system that caused a crash.

Clair McFarlandApril 10, 2025

9 Young People Hurt In Head-On Collision Outside Cokeville

A pickup and SUV, both carrying juveniles, collided just outside Cokeville, Wyoming, on Wednesday night, injuring all nine occupants. Some of the kids suffered head and internal injuries, and two were flow for treatment by air ambulance.

Justin GeorgeApril 10, 2025

Trial Starts For Former Casper Foster Dad Facing 26 Child Sex Charges

A trial began Wednesday for a former Casper foster dad facing 26 child sex charges, accused of abusing four girls in his care. The district attorney says Steven Marler at one point told a victim that, “I know I shouldn’t love you like this, but I do.”

Dale KillingbeckApril 09, 2025

‘You Can’t Park There’: U-Haul Jumps Curb, Gets Wedged Under Evanston Overpass

A U-Haul truck that jumped the curb and got wedged under the Highway 150 overpass in Evanston, Wyoming, on Tuesday. Many passersby couldn’t help a second look and occasionally yelling some helpful advice as they drove by: “You can’t park there!”

Andrew RossiApril 09, 2025

The coffee shop where Scott Schroefel of Casper is accused of running an illegal gambling operation.

Wyoming Gambling Law Showdown Averted After Deal Struck Over Illegal Operation

Scott Schroefel, 54, pleaded guilty to illegal gambling Wednesday in Natrona County District Court in Casper. Before the plea, Schroefel’s attorney challenged Wyoming’s gambling laws as unconstitutional.

Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2025

Duck Hunter Gets 3 Years Probation For Unintentional Shooting Death Of Friend

A 21-year-old Pinedale man says he feels “incredible sadness” every day for the unintentional shooting death of his friend while duck hunting last year. He was given three years of probation Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandApril 09, 2025

Neighbors Tried To Get Laramie Man To Stop Slamming Another’s Head Into Asphalt

A 28-year-old man faces an aggravated assault charge after witnesses saw him slamming another man’s head onto the street last month in Laramie. His case rose to felony-level court Friday.

Clair McFarlandApril 08, 2025

David Henrikson and Toni Brown say they daily continue to grapple with the loss of their daughter, Lene’a Brown, who was gunned down in a Casper Park on May 14, 2024.

Casper Teen Who Shot Ex-Girlfriend At Point-Blank Range Gets 42-75 Years In Prison

A 16-year-old Casper boy who said “I just want to kill someone” before shooting his ex-girlfriend at point-blank range got 42-75 years in prison Tuesday. For the girl’s family, the pain is still raw. “I scream on the inside all day long,” her father said.

Dale KillingbeckApril 08, 2025

Banks in Montana and Wyoming were targeted by fraudsters Decoriss Darnell Smith, left, and Stanford Wilvin Lightfoot, who forged phony paychecks, then recruited homeless people to cash them at local “country” banks. The homeless were also left to take the blame if caught.

National Crime Ring Recruited Homeless To Take The Blame In Check Cashing Scheme

Banks in Montana and Wyoming were targeted by fraudsters who forged phony paychecks, then recruited homeless people to cash them at local “country” banks. The homeless were also left to take the blame if caught.

David MadisonApril 08, 2025

National Guard Cooperating With Investigation Into Sergeant’s Underage Sex Case

The Wyoming National Guard is cooperating with the investigation of a guardsman and former high school teacher charged with nearly 20 sex crimes, including against someone younger than 16. He has an April 16 arraignment in Platte County District Court.

Clair McFarlandApril 07, 2025

Riggin Schaffer, 18, was killed March 23 when he stopped to help a driver hurt in a highway crash and was hit by another vehicle that came upon the scene.

No Charges For Driver Who Hit Good Samaritan, DUI For Teen He Stopped To Help

The Wyoming Highway Patrol released its report Monday on the Highway 130 crash that killed good Samaritan Riggin Schaffer, 18, on March 23. The driver who hit Schaffer wasn’t drunk or ticketed, but the crashed driver Schaffer stopped to help got a DUI.

David MadisonApril 07, 2025

Felony Charges For Cheyenne Man After Pokémon Deal Goes Wrong

A 22-year-old Cheyenne man has been charged with felony theft in connection with a Pokémon card deal that went wrong. Court documents say Justice Geho drove off Thursday with a rare $3,300 Umbreon card a seller let him hold.

Clair McFarlandApril 07, 2025

Casper Teen Tells Police Stabbing Another Teen 5 Times Was ‘Self-Defense Yo’

The Casper Police Department announced Monday that an arrest warrant has been issued for a Casper teen accused of stabbing another teen five times. He told police the victim tried to beat him up, so the stabbing is “self-defense yo.”

Dale KillingbeckApril 07, 2025

The possibility of the death penalty is off the table for both Big Piney teens accused of ambushing and murdering their friend with a bow and arrow. Rowan Littauer, pictured, pleaded not guilty Monday, as did his alleged accomplice Orion Schlesinger on March 20.

No Death Penalty For Either Big Piney Teen Charged In Bow And Arrow Ambush

Sublette County's top prosecutor on Monday withdrew the possibility of the death penalty for Rowan LIttauer, just as he had in March for Orion Schlesinger. The teens are accused of ambushing and killing their friend with a bow and arrow in February.

Clair McFarlandApril 07, 2025

Nearly 30 years later, the murder of 6-year-old JonBenét Ramsey remains unsolved. The childhood friend of a person of interest believes his confessions hold the truth. That friend sent a number of letters from prison confessing to killing her, along with displaying an infatuation with the young girl.

Who Killed JonBenét? Friend Of Pedophile Who Confessed Says Look At Him Again

Who killed JonBenét Ramsey? The childhood friend of a convicted pedophile and person of interest told Cowboy State Daily he has prison letters from that man confessing to killing her, and says police need to look at him again.

Jen KocherApril 06, 2025

Anne Elliott vanished five years ago in downtown Salt Lake City as her family continues searching for her. Forensic investigators were on site March 26, sifting for more bones and evidence.

Families Of Missing People On Edge After Human Remains Discovered In Utah Pond

Following the discovery of a skull and bones in a pond near Salt Lake City in late March, several families wait for the bones to be identified. That includes loved ones of a missing Wyoming woman.

Jen KocherApril 05, 2025

A photo of John Hardy in his police vehicle at the Gillette Police Department.

Wyoming History: The 1983 Rampage That Killed A Gillette Cop And Family Of 4

On a cold December day in 1983, a Wyoming power plant worker’s jealous anger boiled over into a violent and deadly rampage. He used automatic weapons and pipe bombs, killing a family of four, then a Gillette cop in an ambush before killing himself.

Dale KillingbeckApril 05, 2025

Venezuelan Illegal Immigrant Caught, Charged In Sheridan ATM Hacking

A Venezuelan illegal immigrant accused of a hacking heist on a Sheridan ATM was on the run for three months before being caught, then elevated to felony-level court Wednesday. He’s one of three Venezuelans involved, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandApril 04, 2025

Dylan Grant in his University of Wyoming rodeo vest. Grant died Thursday, April 3, 2025, when a bull stepped on him during an event in Wharton County, Texas.

Wyoming Pro Rodeo Cowboy Dies In Bull Riding Event In Texas

A pro rodeo bull rider from Pavillion, Wyoming, died Thursday night when a bull stepped on him during an event in Texas. Friends and family of Dylan Grant say they’re shocked and saddened by the news.

Clair McFarlandApril 04, 2025

Wyoming veterans who spoke to Cowboy State Daily said the grenades a teen found in Riverton Wednesday look like they're for training. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous, and it's good that his family called police.

Wyoming Vets Say Riverton Grenades For Training — Still Nothing To Play Around With

Wyoming veterans who spoke to Cowboy State Daily say the grenades a teen found in Riverton Wednesday look like they're for training. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be dangerous, and it's good that his family called police.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2025

Sean Brennan, 57 of Hudson, Wyoming, was confronted Friday, Sept. 6, 2024, in Lander for allegedly having sexually-charged online conversations with decoys he thought were underage girls.

Hudson Man Caught By Video Vigilante Pleads Guilty To Federal Child Porn Charge

A Hudson man will go to prison for at least 10 years after pleading guilty Thursday to possessing child pornography. He was caught in September when a video vigilante tracked him to his job in Wyoming and confronted him. His boss fired him on the spot.

Leo WolfsonApril 03, 2025

Gabriel Seth Rodgers, a Wyoming drug dealer and gun thief who broke conditions of his supervised release by fleeing to Mexico, has been caught. Mexican authorities announced last week they were deporting him, and he’s now in U.S. federal custody.

Mexico Deports Fugitive Wyoming Drug Dealer And Gun Thief

A Wyoming drug dealer and gun thief who broke conditions of his supervised release by fleeing to Mexico has been caught. Mexican authorities announced last week they were deporting him, and he’s now in U.S. federal custody.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2025

Former Bar Nunn Fire Chief Denies Stealing From Fill The Boot Fundraiser

A former Bar Nunn fire chief pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations he stole more than $2,600 from the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Fill the Boot fundraiser. He’s also accused of more than $20,000 worth of misuse of a department credit card.

Dale KillingbeckApril 03, 2025

Teen Finds Four Live Hand Grenades Near River In Riverton

When 15-year-old Roxton Lookingbill didn’t catch any fish Wednesday evening on the Wind River, he started walking back toward his grandmother’s house — then something caught his eye. It was a metal box, and inside were four live hand grenades.

Clair McFarlandApril 03, 2025

Rawlins Inmate Accused Of Attacking Guards Over Forbidden Gingerbread Supplies

A 25-year-old Gillette man who is already in prison for assaulting jail officers is now accused of attacking prison guards when they wouldn’t let him keep gingerbread-making supplies in his cell.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2025

Donald W. Wright, 59, of Worland, Wyoming, has been charged with cruelty to animals, accused of shooting his own dog, Axel, six times. He reportedly said he hoped the dog would "bleed out."

Worland Man Accused Of Shooting His Dog Six Times Pleads Not Guilty

Donald Wright of Worland, accused of shooting his dog six times, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges Wednesday. The dog, Axel, still has four bullets in his body and a plate in his jaw, but is taking well to his training.

Clair McFarlandApril 02, 2025

Home surveillance video shows Clint White leaving his house in Powell, Wyoming, just before 2 a.m. last Wednesday. Nobody’s seen him since. His mysterious disappearance has the family and police baffled. His body was found Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

Family Devastated After Missing Powell Man Found Dead

After a week of searching for Powell resident Clint White, 52, his family’s worst fears were realized Tuesday when he was found dead. No foul play is suspected, authorities report.

Jen KocherApril 02, 2025

Torrington Woman Accused Of Stealing $60K From Little League

A woman Torrington police say stole about $62,000 from the local Little League Association faces one count of felony theft and up to 10 years in prison. Her case will be heard in felony-level court, where she's scheduled for an April 23 arraignment.

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2025

Prosecutor Challenges Release Of Twice-Deported Man With 18,000 Rounds Of Ammo

A federal prosecutor last week challenged the release of a twice-deported Mexican immigrant accused of carrying 18,000 rounds of ammunition through Wyoming. The bust indicates cartel activity, the prosecutor argued.

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2025

Large Focus Area, Almost Nothing To Go On Impacts Search For Missing Powell Man

Nearly a week after Powell resident Clint White, 52, disappeared from his home, his family and local police still have almost nothing to go on. Also impacting the search is a 30-mile radius area outside the city looking for his car.

Jen KocherApril 01, 2025

Glamping tents at the base of the Tetons in affluent Teton County, Wyoming.

Supreme Court Rules Against Jackson Group Challenging Glamping Septic System

That a Jackson Hole environmental group has spent $500,000 on projects in the area doesn’t give it standing to sue a local glamping business, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Monday. The group had sued over the glamour camping outfit’s septic system.

Clair McFarlandApril 01, 2025

Casper 18-Year-Old Pleads Not Guilty In Shooting Death Of 16-Year-Old Friend

A Casper 18-year-old pleaded not guilty Tuesday to shooting and killing his 16-year-old friend while hanging out and playing video games. Police say he also has a history of showing off guns and pointing them at people.

Dale KillingbeckApril 01, 2025

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has called in Donald Trump to educate locals on VIN inspections. Or at least a deputy impersonating the president, who urges people to not be like “greenies” from Colorado and “make VIN inspections great again.”

Laramie County Sheriff Calls In 'Trump' To 'Make VIN Inspections Great Again'

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office called in Donald Trump to educate locals on VIN inspections. Or at least a deputy impersonating the president, who says even "Greenies" from Colorado need to get their vehicles checked when they change hands.

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2025

Samson Lucas Bariah Fussner was killed in a shootout July 4, 2024, with park rangers at Yellowstone National Park. Here is a photo of Fussner inset on an image taken from body camera video from the shootout.

Brother Of Yellowstone Shooter Wants His Guns Sold, Money Go To Ranger He Shot

The brother of Lucas Fussner, who was killed in a shootout with rangers at Yellowstone last summer, says the government shouldn't be able to keep his car and other items. He wants his brother's guns sold and the money given to the ranger he shot.

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2025

There’s a dispute over exactly where the boundary line is between land owned by the South Dakota ranchers Heather and Charles Maude and national grassland controlled by the Forest Service. The couple was served federal indictments alleging theft of government property.

Federal Fence Line Fight With Ranchers Is ‘Odd,’ Wyoming Attorney Says

An ongoing fence line fight between a South Dakota ranch family and the U.S. Forest Service has grabbed national attention. It also seems “odd,” says a Wyoming attorney who has handled land disputes.

Mark HeinzMarch 31, 2025

'Coordinated' Hacking Hits Big Horn County ATMs For More Than $50,000

Two men suspected of a "coordinated" hacking scheme, stealing more than $50,000 from at least three ATMs in Big Horn County in mid-March, await extradition from a Denver jail. The pair each face up to 70 years in prison if convicted.

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2025

Irish Woman Sues Dubois Dude Ranch Over Ankle Crushed By Bear-Sprayed Horse

An Irish woman is suing a Wyoming dude ranch for a vacation gone wrong that left her with a crushed ankle. Her lawsuit, filed last week, claims the injury happened when a guide mistakenly bear-sprayed her horse.

Clair McFarlandMarch 31, 2025

Police, Family Baffled By Powell Man’s Mysterious Disappearance

Home surveillance video shows Clint White leaving his house in Powell, Wyoming, just before 2 a.m. last Wednesday. Nobody’s seen him since. His mysterious disappearance has the family and police baffled.

Jen KocherMarch 31, 2025

Even In Wyoming, Experts Say Shooting At Someone Stealing Your Stuff Not A Good Idea

It’s best to know what the law says about using a gun to defend yourself, your home and possessions in Wyoming before opening fire, experts say. A Casper man may learn that after unloading at his own truck while a guy was stealing it.

Mark HeinzMarch 29, 2025

Alfred Packer confessed to cannibalism for eating his five companions in the winter of 1874. He had been hired as their guide and instead got them lost in the San Juan mountains of Colorado during a blizzard. The spelling of his first name is wrong on this sign, a common mistake because Packer himself had a tattoo with his first name misspelled "Alfred."

A Wyoming Sheriff Caught Infamous Cannibal Alfred Packer, Brought Him To Justice

After eating his five traveling companions in the Colorado mountains in the winter of 1874, Alfred Packer eluded capture for nearly a decade. One of the most infamous cannibals in U.S. history was caught and brought to justice by a Wyoming sheriff.

Jackie DorothyMarch 29, 2025

Wyoming Again In Spotlight With New TV Series About ‘Happy Face Killer’

A new TV series on Paramount+ will feature the story of Keith Jesperson, who admitted to murdering at least eight women across five states — including Wyoming — between 1990 and 1995.

Jen KocherMarch 29, 2025

Reservation Man Accused Of Rape Found Not Guilty In Rare Federal Acquittal

A federal trial jury Wednesday found a 23-year-old Wind River Indian Reservation man not guilty of multiple sexual abuse charges. His accuser had claimed he raped her while she was drunk. Federal trial acquittals are extremely rare.

Clair McFarlandMarch 28, 2025

Dr. Eric Cubin, left, is suing Gov. Mark Gordon for reinstatement to the Wyoming State Board of Medicine.

Casper Doctor Not Giving Up Fight To Get Back On Wyoming Board Of Medicine

Casper radiologist Eric Cubin has filed an appeal to get back on the Wyoming Board of Medicine after pressure from Gov. Mark Gordon to resign last year. Cubin lobbied for legislation banning transgender surgeries and treatments on minors.

Leo WolfsonMarch 28, 2025

Wyoming Man Accused Of Machete, Hammer Attacks Nabbed In Colorado

A 25-year-old Goshen County, Wyoming man was on the run from the law, accused of swinging a machete at his sister. He was caught Wednesday in Colorado — and his sister says he wasn’t really trying to hurt her.

Clair McFarlandMarch 28, 2025

Riggin Schaffer, an 18-year-old WyoTech student with dreams of building muscle cars stopped to help the injured driver of a one-car rollover Sunday on Highway 130 near Laramie. While doing that, he was hit by another driver and killed.

18-Year-Old Good Samaritan Hit, Killed While Helping Injured Driver Near Laramie

An 18-year-old WyoTech student from Montana with dreams of building muscle cars stopped to help the injured driver of a one-car rollover Sunday on Highway 130 near Laramie. While doing that, he was hit by another driver and killed.

David MadisonMarch 28, 2025

Welcome to Guernsey Platte County 8 29 24

Wyoming Cell Tower Worker Hit While Air Force Members Shoot At Targets

A man working on a Verizon cell tower was shot in the thigh Thursday while three U.S. Air Force members were shooting targets on federal land outside Guernsey, Wyoming. The worker was life-flighted, then treated and released from a Cheyenne hospital.

Clair McFarlandMarch 28, 2025

Douglas Woman Accused Of Threats To Blow Up Man’s Business And Poison His Dog

Douglas police claim a local woman threatened to poison a man's dog and bomb his family business to get him to "comply with her demands." Khyrstyn Jackson now faces up multiple felonies, including blackmail.

Clair McFarlandMarch 27, 2025

Prosecutor Fights To Keep Convicted Child Molester On Sex Offender List

A Sweetwater County prosecutor is challenging a judge’s decision to expunge a Rock Springs man’s 1997 conviction for molesting an 8-year-old girl, court documents show. The man has argued to be removed from the sex offender list.

Clair McFarlandMarch 27, 2025

Preston Sorensen and Gillian Holman are Glenrock High School students who were cyberstalked and bullied for a year by a 41-year-old woman, Marcie Smith.

41-Year-Old Glenrock Woman Who Stalked Teens Didn't Get Jail Time: Here's Why

The families of two Glenrock teens cyberstalked and bullied by 41-year-old Marcie Smith for a year say they understand why she only got probation, but wish jail time had been offered. They hope to change the law to stop similar nightmares for others.

Clair McFarlandMarch 27, 2025

Wyoming Gun Owners Blast Supreme Court For Upholding Biden-Era ‘Ghost Gun’ Rules

Wyoming gun rights advocates are blasting a Wednesday U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding Biden-era “ghost gun” rules. The regs require serial numbers and background checks for self-made firearms.

Mark HeinzMarch 26, 2025

Woman Says She Jumped From Moving Minivan Twice While Boyfried Beat Her

A woman jumped from her boyfriend's minivan twice to escape a brutal beating near Riverton, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office reports. A man accused of forcing her into the vehicle after a knife standoff with another man was charged Monday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 26, 2025

Shoshoni Woman Caught Impersonating FBI Agent Now Faces Assault Charges

A Shoshoni woman has been charged with two counts of aggravated assault, accused of pointing a shotgun at her sister and another man. She confessed to impersonating an FBI agent at an airport in another case.

Clair McFarlandMarch 26, 2025

Rajion Vu, 26, of Evansville was sentenced to 12-18 years in prison Tuesday for the Feb. 1, 2024, killing of a 30-year-old Casper man in a drug deal gone bad. The victim’s brother testified he was “not an angel,” but “didn’t deserve to die.”

Evansville Man Gets Up To 18 Years For Killing Man In Drug Deal Gone Bad

A 26-year-old Evansville man was sentenced to 12-18 years in prison Tuesday for the Feb. 1, 2024, killing of a 30-year-old Casper man in a drug deal gone bad. The victim’s brother testified he was “not an angel,” but “didn’t deserve to die.”

Dale KillingbeckMarch 26, 2025

A judicial nominating commission tasked with helping Wyoming's governor fill a seat left vacant by the state Supreme Court’s chief justice has nominated three candidates for his consideration, including Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill. She's seen here during a fireside chat with state attorneys general presented by the Techology Policy Institute.

Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill Among 3 Nominated For State Supreme Court

A judicial nominating commission Monday named Wyoming Attorney General Bridget Hill, private attorney Anna Reeves Olson and Judge Stuart Healy as three candidates for a soon-to-be-vacant state Supreme Court seat.

Clair McFarlandMarch 26, 2025

16-Year-Old Girl Accused Of Shooting Two Men Asks To Be Charged As Child

The attorney for Addisyn Rain Marie Fisher is asking a judge to send the 16-year-old's case to juvenile court. Fisher, from Rock Springs, is charged as an adult in the shooting of two men and has an arraignment hearing Thursday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 25, 2025

Casper Man Empties Handgun As His Truck Is Stolen, Then Catches Up To It

A 41-year-old Casper man is expected in court Tuesday, accused of stealing a truck. The owner of the truck emptied a handgun at it as it was driven away, then caught up to it in another car and held the alleged thief at gunpoint until police got there.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 25, 2025

Full Semitrailer Smashes Through Shed, House In Upton

A semitrailer full of bentonite smashed through the side of a storage shed and a vehicle, then halfway through a house Monday in Upton. The man living in the house was in bed when the truck “pushed his bedroom out the other wall.”

Clair McFarlandMarch 25, 2025

The Carbon County Sheriff’s official and personal Facebook pages have been hacked, Sheriff Alex Bakken says, but Facebook says otherwise. Bakken is calling in DCI and federal law enforcement.

Carbon County Sheriff's Facebook Page Back After Hackers Used It To Sell Crypto

UPDATE: Carbon County Sheriff Alex Bakken reported Tuesday afternoon that, after days of working with Meta and Cowboy State Daily, his Facebook page has been restored. A hacker took it over Friday and used it to sell cryptocurrency.

Clair McFarlandMarch 25, 2025

Dental records identified Breanna Mitchell as the woman whose remains were found in rural Washakie County. Mitchell disappeared nearly two years ago. Her cause of death is not known.

Human Remains ID’d As Washakie County Woman Missing Since 2023

Dental records identified Breanna Mitchell on Monday as the woman whose remains were found Sunday in rural Washakie County. Mitchell disappeared nearly two years ago. Her cause of death is not known.

Jen KocherMarch 25, 2025

“But I don’t want to have to feel like I’m somehow making a political statement every time I drive it,” said Keren Meister-Emerich, a Wyoming Tesla Cybertruck owner. “I’m just out for a drive.”

Wyoming Tesla Owners Bristle At Destruction Campaign

Wyoming Tesla owners remain concerned about the attacks on Tesla products and properties happening nationwide. The FBI launched a task force Monday to investigate the crimes officials call “domestic terrorism.”

Clair McFarlandMarch 24, 2025

Several of a Union Pacific train's shipping containers toppled Monday north of Rock River. It's unclear if train car frames derailed with them. Area winds reached at least 40-50 MPH, judging from wind sensors in the surrounding areas.

Freight Containers Topple Off Train North Of Rock River

Several of a Union Pacific train's shipping containers toppled Monday north of Rock River. It's unclear if train car frames derailed with them. The mayor speculated it was because of high winds which reached over 60mph during the morning.

Clair McFarlandMarch 24, 2025

Cody Man Found Hallucinating After Mother's Stabbing Sent To Mental Hospital

The case against a Cody man accused of stabbing his mother after claiming he had been hallucinating and that she had "little people" annoy him is on hold. A circuit court judge agreed that he should be committed to a mental hospital until deemed sane.

Clair McFarlandMarch 24, 2025

Marcie Smith of Glenrock, inset, received two years' probation last week after evidence surfaced that she was behind a yearlong effort to stalk a sophomore girl and her boyfriend. Now, the teen and her family are pushing for enhanced penalties where adults stalk minors.

Glenrock Teen, Family Recall Harrowing Year Of Stalking, Impersonation

A Glenrock, Wyoming, woman got two years' probation last week after evidence surfaced she was behind a yearlong effort to stalk and impersonate a teen girl and her boyfriend. Now, the girl and her family want enhanced penalties when adults stalk minors.

Clair McFarlandMarch 24, 2025

The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating human remains discovered by a Wyoming Game and Fish warden March 23, 2025. Officials are working to identify the remains, and so far there's no informtion about whether they could belong to any current missing people reported in the area or someone else.

Authorities Attempt To ID Human Skeletal Remains Found In Washakie County

The Washakie County Sheriff’s Office is investigating human remains discovered by a Wyoming Game and Fish warden Sunday. The warden had been tracking a deer collar in a remote area of the county when he came across the remains.

Jen KocherMarch 24, 2025

Four charging stations at the Tesla Supercharger at 2441 Ffoothill Boulevard in Rock Springs, Wyoming, were vandalized wtih swastikas either late March 21 or early March 22, 2025.

Swastikas Spraypainted On Tesla Chargers In Rock Springs

An escalating nationwide trend of vandalizing Tesla electric vehicle products has reached Wyoming, with a row of Rock Springs Tesla Superchargers spraypainted with swastikas either late Friday night or early Saturday morning.

Clair McFarlandMarch 22, 2025

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, along with the sheriff’s webpage, were both hacked Friday at about noon, Sheriff Alex Bakken reports.

Brief: Carbon County Sheriff's Office Facebook Page Hacked

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, along with the sheriff’s own Facebook page, were both hacked Friday at about noon, the sheriff reports.

Clair McFarlandMarch 22, 2025

Fort Washakie Man Who Killed Wife In Front Of Their Young Daughter Gets 30 Years

A Fort Washakie man was given 30 years in prison Friday for shooting and killing his wife in front of their 11-year-old daughter in April 2024. The judge escalated his sentence because the girl “had to witness the death of her mother with her own eyes.”

Dale KillingbeckMarch 21, 2025

Former Wheatland Music Teacher In Jail On Child Sex Charges, Could Get 400 Years

Accused of sex acts with a minor he met while he was her teacher, a former Wheatland high school and middle school band instructor is facing a maximum potential penalty of more than 400 years in prison. Evan Bradley's preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Monday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 21, 2025

Wyoming Supreme Court building in Cheyenne.

Wyoming High Court Expands Right To Remain Silent, Throws Out Molestation Conviction

A striking Wyoming Supreme Court ruling defends people’s right to remain silent more vigilantly and could change how prosecutors try cases. The Thursday ruling also throws out the conviction of a Casper man accused of sexually touching young girls.

Clair McFarlandMarch 21, 2025

Rock Springs tow truck operator Zack Krone was hit by a rogue pickup while cleaning up a semitrailer crash on Interstate 80 on Wednesday morning. His wife, Elizabeth, tells Cowboy State Daily that he suffered serious injuries and is recovering in a Casper hospital.

Tow Truck Driver Hit On I-80 By Rogue Pickup Recovering In Casper Hospital

A tow truck operator is recovering after losing a kidney and suffering other organ ruptures. A rogue pickup struck him Wednesday on the shoulder of Interstate 80 outside of Wamsutter, Wyoming.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025

The aftermath of months of camping protesters over the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2017.

Greenpeace Ordered To Pay $667M In Protest Damages Over Dakota Access Pipeline

Greenpeace was ordered by a judge Wednesday to pay $667 million related to a 10-month violent protest over building the Dakota Access Pipeline. Protesters camping at the North Dakota site damaged the land and created a policing and cleanup nightmare.

David MadisonMarch 20, 2025

Orion Schlesinger, 18, pleaded “not guilty” and ”not guilty by reason of mental illness” at his Thursday arraignment in Sublette County District Court.

Death Penalty Off The Table For 1 Teen Charged In Deadly Bow-And-Arrow Ambush

The death penalty is off the table for one of two Big Piney, Wyoming, teens accused of conspiring to kill a man in a bow-and-arrow ambush. But the prosecutor said Thursday he’s not ready to say if he’ll seek death for the teen accused of firing the bow.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025

Tranyelle Harshman, the Byron, Wyoming, woman who fatally shot her four children then herself last month had depression and anti-anxiety medications in her system, according to a coroner’s investigation report released Thursday.

Byron Mom In Murder-Suicide Had Depression, Anxiety Meds In System

The Byron, Wyoming, woman who fatally shot her four children then herself last month had depression and anti-anxiety medications in her system, according to a coroner’s investigation report released Thursday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025

Smoke pouring out of the westbound Green River Tunnel on I-80 on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Report: Pickup Losing Control Leaving Green River Tunnel Started Fatal Crash

The National Transportation Safety Board on Wednesday released its preliminary report on the Green River Tunnel disaster. It says a pickup truck lost control as it exited the westbound tunnel and started the 26-vehicle, triple-fatality crash on February 14, 2025.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025

Mary Couch, 70, of Alabama, was identified as the victim in Saturday’s I-80 crash outside Rawlins on Saturday. The driver accused of killing Couch was released from jail on a $20,000 cash bond.

Woman Identified In Fatal Crash Outside Rawlins That Closed I-80 For Hours

Mary Couch, 70 of Alabama, was identified as the victim in Saturday’s I-80 crash outside Rawlins on Saturday that closed the interstate for hours. The driver accused of killing Couch was released from jail on a $20,000 cash bond.

Clair McFarlandMarch 20, 2025

Dash cam video posted to Facebook by Lance Paul Scarpellino with a warning to "be careful out there" appears to show the scene where a tow truck driver was hit responding to this crash Wednesday morning.

Tow Truck Operator Responding To Crash Hit By Pickup On Icy I-80 Near Wamsutter

A tow truck operator recovering vehicles from night crash near Wamsutter along Interstate-80 was struck by a pickup Wednesday, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports. The operator was life-flighted from the scene.

Clair McFarlandMarch 19, 2025

Wyoming Supports Trump's Plan To Deport Members Of Violent Venezuelan Gang

When 26 Republican-led states urged a court Tuesday to stop a judge's block on Trump's plan to deport Venezuelan gang members, Wyoming wasn't among them. But that's because of timing, not a lack of support, the Wyoming attorney general says.

Clair McFarlandMarch 19, 2025

Gillette Man Accused Of Pistol-Whipping, Trying To Shoot Sister’s Friend

A Gillette man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly pistol-whipping and trying to shoot a friend of his sister’s Monday. “I tried to kill him,” he reportedly told police, but in court Tuesday told the judge, "I defended myself.”

Jen KocherMarch 19, 2025

Riverton Police Say They Caught Man Who Stole Car With Baby In It

The Riverton Police Department said Tuesday it caught a 28-year-old man accused of stealing a vehicle with a 3-month-old baby in it, then abandoning both the car and baby west of Riverton, Wyoming, last month.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2025

Commercial trucks make their way through Rawlins on a detour around a fatal crash Saturday near Exit 215 on Interstate 80.

Brief: Trucker Suspected Of Causing I-80 Crash That Killed Another Trucker

A Washington state trucker has been charged with homicide by vehicle after a Saturday crash on I-80 near Rawlins. He’s accused of crashing into another semitrailer, killing a person in the truck’s sleeper cab.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2025

Gillette Man, 77, Accused Of Offering Sex Act To Teenage Boy

A 77-year-old Gillette man accused of soliciting a 15-year-old boy for sex could face between five and 12 years in prison. His case rose to felony-level court Thursday after a monthslong delay that included a mental fitness evaluation.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2025

Former Jackson Hole Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen, right, has been charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah. Authorities there say he trafficked in child pornography and had a sexual encounter with the same judge who declined to keep him in jail, Kevin Robert Christensen.

Former Jackson Hole Fire Chief Accused Of Sex Acts With Judge, Having Child Porn

Former Jackson Hole Fire Chief Ned Brady Hansen has been charged with aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor in Utah. Authorities there say he trafficked in child pornography and had a sexual encounter with the same judge who declined to keep him in jail.

Clair McFarlandMarch 18, 2025

Cheyenne Man Accused Of Pepper-Spraying Cops During Fight In Driveway

A Cheyenne man's case rose Friday to the felony-level court, on claims he pepper sprayed cops while interfering with a woman's traffic stop. The man reportedly also cursed and spat racial slurs at police as they investigated a DUI at his house.

Clair McFarlandMarch 17, 2025

State Trooper Arrests Suspected Illegal Immigrant With 18,000 Rounds Of Ammunition

An illegal immigrant was arrested Friday near Rawlins for carrying 18,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, according to the Wyoming Highway Patrol. Ricardo Paez-Quinones faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and/or deportation if convicted.

Clair McFarlandMarch 17, 2025

Nicholas Blackburn, center, walked to the Fremont County jail transport van Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, after pleading not guilty to killing his friend.

Riverton Man Accused Of Beating Friend To Death Strikes Plea Deal Before Trial

A Riverton man accused of beating his friend to death and leaving him for his parents to find has agreed to plead guilty. The agreement came just days before his manslaughter trial was to start Monday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 17, 2025

The boyfriend of Irene Gakwa, a Gillette nursing student missing for three years, could be released from prison this month. Nathan Hightman drained her accounts after she disappeared and remains a “person of interest” in the case.

Boyfriend Of Missing Gillette Woman Irene Gakwa Set For Prison Release

The boyfriend of Irene Gakwa, a Gillette nursing student missing for three years, is set to be released from prison this month. Nathan Hightman drained her accounts after she disappeared and remains a “person of interest” in the case.

Jen KocherMarch 15, 2025

More than a month after a devastating 26-vehicle crash and fire inside the westbound Green River Tunnel, cleanup is still underway.

Westbound Green River Tunnel May Not Reopen Until Next Winter

It’s been more than a month since a devastating 26-vehicle Valentine’s Day crash killed three people in the Green River Tunnel on westbound Interstate 80. The Wyoming Department of Transportation says it will take months to repair and hopes to have it open by next winter.

Greg JohnsonMarch 15, 2025

'Bitcoin Billionaire' Wanted In All 50 States After Friend Pays, Loses $50K Bond

Investigators say a man who cast himself as a ‘bitcoin billionaire’ during a Jackson Hole spending spree was committing fraud. He skipped court this week - after convincing a friend to pay his $50,000 cash bond. Kevin Segal is now wanted in all 50 states.

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

AG's Office Says Gillette Judge Didn't Break Rules By Holding Public Defender In Contempt

The judge who fined a public defender $100 and ordered him to write an apology letter for being late says he followed the rules in doing so. The public defender quit after paying the fine and writing the letter.

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Defendant Paul Hilburn, addresses Casper Circuit Court Judge Kevin Taheri as Natrona County Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson listens.

Casper Man Pleads Not Guilty To Charges From January Stabbing

A 71-year-old Casper man pleaded not guilty Friday to three charges stemming from a January stabbing at his apartment. He allegedly told police one of the stabbings was an accident.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 14, 2025

Protesters hold signs at Roosevelt Arch, the northern entrance to Yellowstone Park on March 1, 2025 in Gardiner, Montana.

Judge Orders Trump To Reinstate Fired National Park Service Employees

A federal judge issued a scathing rebuke Thursday and ordered the Trump administration to reinstate thousands of probationary employees fired last month, including 1,000 at the National Park Service. The White House called the order "absurd and unconstitutional."

Clair McFarlandMarch 14, 2025

Fort Washakie 18-Year-Old 'Allegedly' Jumped From Car To Her Death, Initial Report Says

A Wyoming Highway Patrol preliminary investigative report published this month says Stephanie Bearstail, an 18-year-old Fort Washakie student, "allegedly" jumped from a moving vehicle to her death March 4.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Former Sheridan Assistant Principal Gets 3-5 Years For Sex With 18-Year-Old Student

Former Sheridan High School Assistant Principal Jacob Meyer, 34, was sentenced Thursday to between three and five years in prison after being convicted of having sex with one of his students, who was 18 at the time.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Murder-For-Hire Trial On Hold While Cody Woman's Mental Health Tested

Two days before her trial on a murder-for-hire charge was set to begin, a Cody woman had it delayed by asking for a mental health test. Investigators say she tried hiring a hitman to kill her daughter’s boyfriend.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Man Dead In Officer-Involved Shooting At Uinta County Business

Uinta County Sheriff’s deputies and U.S. Marshals personnel were involved in a shooting on Wednesday that killed a suspect who had felony-level warrants, authorities told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandMarch 13, 2025

Three members of the University of Wyoming volleyball team are among a dozen plaintiffs suing the Mountain West Conference and its commissioner over a transgender player on the San Jose State University volleyball team.

Judge Won't Quit Transgender Case Over Pronouns Rule, Volleyball Players Try Appeal

A federal judge said he will not recuse himself from a lawsuit over a transgender player’s inclusion on a college women’s volleyball team. The women who asked for the recusal requested an appeal Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025

The house in the 800 block of 53rd Street in Casper on Wednesday had all the police tape removed that encircled it earlier in the week.

Other Than Saying Case Is ‘Complicated,’ Casper Police Mum On Fatal Shooting

Casper police said Wednesday they continue to investigate Saturday’s fatal shooting of a man at a local home. There have been no arrests, and other than saying the case is “complicated,” little is being released about the shooting.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 12, 2025

Prosecutor Says Casper Man Accused Of Illegal Gambling ‘Knew What He Was Doing’

Wyoming’s gambling laws aren’t so vague that a Casper businessman accused of running illegal gambling houses couldn’t have known he was breaking the law, a state prosecutor says. Scott Lee Shroefel “knew what he was doing,” she argued.

Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025

Casper Man Pleads Guilty To Shooting Crossbow Bolt Into Ex-Girlfriend’s Home

A 47-year-old Casper man admitted in court Wednesday to shooting a crossbow bolt through a window where his ex-girlfriend was staying last September. He bragged about doing something that would be “in the news.”

Dale KillingbeckMarch 12, 2025

John Stetson Angus Bosh, 31, is accused of repeatedly stabbing his wife, China Bosh, in an attempt to kill her. He's been charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Accused Gillette Wife-Stabber Sane Enough For Trial, State Hospital Says

A Wyoming state mental health evaluator says a Gillette man was sane enough to realize what he was doing when he allegedly stabbed his wife eight times. She survived the terrifying attack, and his attempted second-degree murder trial is set for June.

Clair McFarlandMarch 12, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday, March 10, 2025, to hear a request from Wyoming and 18 other red states to block a handful of other states, including California, from suing oil and gas companies in their own courts over climate change.

Supreme Court Won’t Block Climate Change Lawsuits In Wyoming, Other Red States

The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear a request from Wyoming and 18 other red states to block a handful of other states, including California, from suing oil and gas companies in their own courts over climate change.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025

Orion Schlesinger, left, and Rowan Littauer are accused of ambushing a man with a bow and arrow, killing him

Big Piney Teens Accused Of Killing Man In Bow-And-Arrow Ambush Sent To Higher Court

A pair of Big Piney teens could get life in prison or the death penalty if convicted of working together to kill a local man with a bow and arrows. A judge sent their case to a higher court Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025

Two Charged For Allegedly Helping Hide 'Armed And Dangerous' Gillette Suspect

Two people have been charged with helping an 18-year-old attempted-murder suspect elude law enforcement in Campbell County. Each could face up to three years in prison if convicted of being accessories after the fact.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025

In Sweetwater County, Law Enforcement Nabs 12 People For ICE In One Day

The jail in Sweetwater County took custody of 12 people on Thursday for ICE. The sudden influx, which consisted entirely of males between the ages of 21 and 41, is well above the jail’s daily average of ICE detainee bookings.

Clair McFarlandMarch 11, 2025

Ryan Pasborg ran into this burning house to save a Green River woman and her son.

Story Of Green River Heroism Takes Bizarre Turn With Phony AI Court Cases

A Wyoming judge has sanctioned a lawyer for citing fake AI cases in a lawsuit over what caused a nearly fatal house fire in Green River. A woman and her son were saved by Ryan Pasborg, who was given the nation's highest honor for heroism for his actions.

David MadisonMarch 10, 2025

Mexican National In 'Catastrophic' Crash That Killed Two Pleads Guilty

A Mexican national who smashed into a Harley trike, killing its two riders, pleaded guilty to killing one of the people Monday. Through an interpreter, he told the judge he was drunk and high in August 2023 when he hit the Harley south of Torrington, Wyoming.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2025

$1 Million Bond, Attempted Murder Charge For Gillette 18-Year-Old In Shooting

A Gillette judge Monday set bond at $1 million for an 18-year-old charged with shooting another teen before eluding arrest for four days. Kamren Crousore was caught Saturday evening and has been charged with attempted second-degree murder.

Jen Kocher & Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2025

A Riverton man fought with and shot a home intruder in August 2024.

Riverton Man Shot By 85-Year-Old Homeowner Faces Felony Intrusion Charge

A 21-year-old Riverton man who was shot after allegedly breaking into an 85-year-old man's house last August had a court hearing Monday. The judge ruled there's enough evidence to keep prosecuting the man for unlawful entry.

Clair McFarlandMarch 10, 2025

A 47-year-old man was shot to death during what police report was a family altercation at this house on 53rd Street in Casper on Saturday, March 8, 2025.

Casper Police Say Man Shot And Killed During “Physical Altercation” With Family

Casper police report that an argument between family members escalated, leading to a man being shot to death Saturday. No arrests as an investigation continues.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 10, 2025

Police in Casper, Wyoming, were dispatched to a southside neighborhood home Saturday night to find an adult male dead. The department isn’t reporting any details other than it’s investigating a “suspicious death.”

Casper Police Investigate ‘Suspicious Death' Of Man In Southside Home

Police in Casper were dispatched to a southside neighborhood home Saturday night to find an adult male dead. The police told Cowboy State Daily the incident is being investigated as a "suspicious death."

Dale KillingbeckMarch 09, 2025

Jamie Kamai was 25 years old when he was shot and killed in south Cheyenne during his morning commute by an unknown driver who was tailgating him.

Who Killed Cheyenne Man Along Busy Street In Front Of 8-Year-Old Boy 24 Years Ago?

Jamie Kamai, a 25-year-old delivery driver with his life in front of him, was shot and killed in broad daylight along a busy Cheyenne street in 2001. Now 24 years later, there are still few answers about who killed him in front of 8-year-old stepson.

Jen KocherMarch 09, 2025

A photo exhibit submitted by the Flathead Conservation District supporting its call for the demolition of this home built by John and Stacy Ambler, a couple from San Diego.

Judge: Couple Can Keep House Built Without Permits In Glacier National Park

A judge has spared a home built by a California couple inside of Glacier National Park in Montana. Critics of the ruling say Glacier National Park allowed a couple from San Diego to build whatever they wanted, however they wanted.

David MadisonMarch 09, 2025

After a four-day search, the Campbell County Sheriff's Office arrested Kamren Crousore on Saturday evening. Crousore is the 18-year-old man wanted in connection with the shooting of another teen March 4, 2025. He was considered "armed and dangerous," the agency had said.

‘Armed And Dangerous’ Gillette 18-Year-Old Shooting Suspect Caught

After a four-day search, the Campbell County Sheriff's Office arrested Kamren Crousore on Saturday. Crousore is the 18-year-old wanted in connection with the shooting of another teen Tuesday. He was considered "armed and dangerous," the agency had said.

Clair McFarlandMarch 09, 2025

Amy Gale Weaver, as she appears on a missing person alert.

No Sign Of Casper Mother Of Six Missing For More Than Two Months

The oldest daughter of Amy Gale Weaver, a Casper mother of six, says she’s desperate to find her mother. Weaver has been missing for more than two months. The police told Cowboy State Daily they've exhausted all of their tips and leads.

Jen KocherMarch 08, 2025

Gillette Shooter On The Run Had Just Been Sentenced To Probation For Theft Spree

Campbell County, Wyoming, authorities are still searching for a Gillette man considered “armed and dangerous” and implicated in a shooting. He was sentenced to probation for a theft spree eight days before Tuesday’s shooting, according to his court file.

Clair McFarlandMarch 08, 2025

No New Trial For Casper Man Who Blames Antidepressant For Brutal Stabbing

A Casper man who brutally stabbed his mother-in-law and killed her husband says a double dose of antidepressants pushed him over the edge. The Wyoming Supreme Court disagreed, denying his attempt to get a new trial in a Wednesday ruling.

Clair McFarlandMarch 07, 2025

The body of Brent Layman of Lander, Wyoming, missing for three months, was found March 5, 2025, in Utah.

Lander Man Missing For 3 Months Found Dead In Utah

The body of Brent Layman of Lander has been found after a three-month search. His body was found near where his car was abandoned along I-80 in Utah. No foul play is suspected.

Jen KocherMarch 07, 2025

Few Details Released About Death Of Wyoming Reservation Teen

The FBI is investigating the death of an 18-year-old Fort Washakie High School student who died on Tuesday, but few details are being released. Her father says the family is heartbroken, but is hesitant to talk about his daughter because of the federal investigation.

Clair McFarlandMarch 07, 2025

Laramie County Sheriff Brian Kozak said President Donald Trump's promise to make the death penalty mandatory for people who kill cops is a welcome show of support for law enforcement.

Trump’s Promise Of Death For Cop Killers Resonates With Wyoming Officers

Law enforcement officers in Wyoming say President Donald Trump’s promise to make the death penalty mandatory for people who kill police and first responders is appreciated and overdue. They also want those sentences to be carried out.

Greg JohnsonMarch 07, 2025

Judge Sends Worland Man Accused Of Shooting His Own Dog 6 Times To Higher Court

A Worland man accused of shooting his own dog six times in a torturous fashion is headed to a felony-level court. The sheriff's office accuses Donald W. Wright, 59, of shooting his border-collie mix, "Axel," in his back yard during a wild spree.

Clair McFarlandMarch 07, 2025

Wind river reservation sign 3 16 22 scaled

Wyoming Man Gets 25 Years For Molesting Runaway

A Crowheart, Wyoming, man was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years in prison for the sexual abuse of a 14-year-old Wind River Indian Reservation runaway. Court documents say Quinlin James Hernandez put the girl in a chokehold, then assaulted her multiple times.

Clair McFarlandMarch 07, 2025

Ex-Casper Cop Pleads Guilty To Shooting At Deputies During 17-Hour Standoff

A 31-year-old former Casper police officer pleaded guilty Thursday to six of seven charges stemming from a 17-hour standoff in August 2024, where prosecutors say he shot at police.

Dale KillingbeckMarch 06, 2025

Teton County Sheriff Changes Mind, Will Hold Inmates For ICE

The Teton County sheriff who refused to hold onto inmates for federal immigration authorities without a criminal warrant changed course Wednesday, and said he will now honor civil detention requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Clair McFarlandMarch 06, 2025

'Armed And Dangerous' 18-Year-Old Suspect Sought In Gillette Shooting

Campbell County Sheriff’s deputies are looking for Kamren Crousore, an 18-year-old they suspect shot a 19-year-old on Tuesday on Echeta Road in Gillette, Wyoming. He's considered "armed and dangerous," the department says.

Clair McFarlandMarch 06, 2025

Evanston Woman Accused Of Driving Off With Arresting Cops In Her Truck

An Evanston, Wyoming, woman will be in court Thursday after being accused of driving off with two cops in her truck. She was mad that a local grocery store wouldn’t sell her prescription drugs, and even called 911 to report the cops were harassing her.

Clair McFarlandMarch 06, 2025

Cody resident Kailey Kline and her mother Amber Espinoza still maintain that Kline was poisoned with antifreeze on New Year's Eve despite a Cody Police investigative report saying otherwise.

Prosecutor Says No Evidence Of Antifreeze After Woman Nearly Dies From Spiked Drink

Park County, Wyoming, officials say there’s no evidence that a woman was poisoned with antifreeze from a spiked drink at a Cody bar New Year’s Eve. But the woman nearly died, and her mother questions the investigation.

Leo WolfsonMarch 05, 2025

Former Roommate Of Wyoming Man Accused Of Murdering Woman Says He's Not Insane

The former roommate of Joseph Underwood, who’s accused of killing a woman and dumping her body in a Park County, Wyoming, ravine, says he isn't insane. He says Underwood is probably trying to cheat justice with his insanity plea.

Clair McFarlandMarch 05, 2025

Chance Englebert's family refuses to give up until they have answers of what happened to him nearly six years ago on the night he disappeared during a family trip to Nebraska. For her birthday, Englebert's grandmother, Linda Kluender, gifted herself a newly restored billboard along the two-lane road in western Nebraska.

Family of Missing Moorcroft Man Refuse To Give Up As They Revamp Billboard Again

It’s going on six years since Moorcroft's Chance Englebert vanished while visiting in-laws in Nebraska. His family remains desperate for any news of him, so every two years they repair a billboard to repair the faded image and peeling vinyl.

Jen KocherMarch 04, 2025

The only survivor of a Casper-area drunk-driving crash that killed three people in 2022, Tahayla Kohtala says she still replays the scene in her head every day.

Lone Survivor Of Triple-Fatal Drunk Driver Crash 'Wouldn't Wish It On Anyone'

The drunk Casper man who killed three people in a crash in May 2022 has been sentenced to 18-20 years, according to a court order filed Friday. Meanwhile, the only survivor of that crash says she still replays the horrific scene in her head every day.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2025

Dylan Schilt with his four brothers in a Colorado hospital after Schilt, a Laramie firefighter, was hurt when a burning house collapsed on him.

Laramie Firefighter Paralyzed After Being Crushed In House Fire Collapse

A Laramie firefighter is facing a long rehabilitation after being paralyzed when a stone fireplace chase collapsed on him while fighting a house fire late Friday. His father told Cowboy State Daily that doctors believe his spinal cord is still intact.

Mark HeinzMarch 03, 2025

Man Applying To Be Jail Officer Allegedly Admits Molesting Kids During Polygraph

A Gillette, Wyoming, man who tried to get a job as a detention officer is now incarcerated in the jail where he’d hoped to work. That’s because during a pre-employment polygraph, he confessed to molesting children, court documents allege.

Clair McFarlandMarch 03, 2025

The disappearance and murder of Gabby Petito captured headlines around the globe. The young up-and-coming YouTuber was found dead in Bridger-Teton National Park in Wyoming in fall 2021. A new Netflix series about the murder is putting Wyoming in the spotlight again.

Netflix Docuseries On Gabby Petito Murder Puts Wyoming In Spotlight Again

The search for Gabby Petito in fall 2021 had the world watching northwest Wyoming. The missing YouTuber was ultimately found murdered in Bridger-Teton National Forest, and a new Netflix docuseries puts Teton County Coroner Brent Blue and the investigative team in the spotlight again.

Jen KocherMarch 02, 2025

FBI Seeks Ethete Man Accused Of Working With 'Probable' Drug Cartel Member

The FBI is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of Collie Judson Warren, 49, who is wanted on suspicion of dealing meth. Court documents say Warren worked with a man with "probable" Mexican drug cartel ties near the Wind River Reservation.

Clair McFarlandMarch 02, 2025

The Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette, Wyoming. The parent organizaiton of the facility says it’s making changes even as police investigate two recent deaths there. But there are still more questions than answers about how one woman could freeze to death outside the center or another by overdose.

Beleaguered Assisted Living Center In Gillette Trying To Earn Back Public Trust

After making international headlines when an elderly female resident was found frozen in January, the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center in Gillette announced Friday it will continue to not admit new patients until it’s fully staffed and has reduced the number of contracted staff.

Jen KocherMarch 01, 2025

Ross Schriftman, from left, and state Reps. Tamara Trujillo, R-Cheyenne, Ben Hornok, Sarah Penn, R-Fort Washakie, Jeanette Ward, R-Casper, and Rachel Rodriguez-Williams, R-Cody, protest outside the Wellspring clinic in 2023.

Hours After Governor Signs New Abortion Law, Pro-Choice Group Files Lawsuit

Hours after Gov. Mark Gordon signed a new law regulating abortion clinics, with another heading to his desk, a pro-choice group has sued to block them. The lawsuit, filed at 1 a.m. Friday, claims the laws target Wyoming’s only abortion clinic.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2025

Man With ‘Probable’ Drug Cartel Ties Could Get Life For Dealing Meth In Wyoming

An illegal immigrant with “probable” Mexican drug cartel ties was in federal court Thursday. Through an interpreter, he was told he could get 10 years to life in prison if convicted of dealing meth on the Wind River Reservation.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2025

PETA says a settlement with the airport in Rock Springs, Wyoming, allows the animal advocacy group to post an anti-leather ad and collect $35,000 in legal fees. The group had sued after the ad had been rejected.

PETA To Get $35K Settlement After Denied Anti-Leather Ad In Rock Springs Airport

PETA says a settlement with the airport in Rock Springs allows the animal advocacy group to post an anti-leather ad and collect $35,000 in legal fees. The group sued after the ad had been rejected.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 28, 2025

Scammer Selling Bogus Cheyenne Frontier Days Food Truck Applications

Wyoming food truck vendors are being scammed into paying bogus application fees in hopes of having a coveted spot at Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Cheyenne Police Department warns.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 27, 2025

Edward “Ean” Nurse worked at the Great Northern branch of Park Side Credit Union in Missoula, Montana. On Feb. 25, Nurse was ordered to pay $389,000 in restitution for the cash he stole by removing it from the bank’s vault. He then replaced the real cash with fake prop money, according to court documents.

Montana Credit Union Worker Replaced $340,000 In Vault With Fake Money

When a credit union employee needed cash to feed his gambling habit, he bought fake cash from an online prop money company and swapped it with real bills in the vault. He pleaded guilty Tuesday to replacing $340,000 over seven months.

David MadisonFebruary 27, 2025

Lyman Man Accused Of Shooting Man 10 Times Pleads Insanity

The Wyoming State Hospital has about a month to offer an opinion on whether a Lyman man was too insane to know what he was doing when he allegedly killed another man last summer. The victim was shot 10 times near Fort Bridger.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2025

Sage Valley Junior High School in Gillette, Wyoming, in this file photo.

Judge Tells Wyoming Legislators To Buy More Computers And Fund Schools Better

A Laramie County District Court judge ordered Wyoming lawmakers Wednesday to fund schools better to satisfy the state Constitution. The ruling calls for more computers, school resource officers and mental health counselors, among other underfunded needs.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 27, 2025

Agents raided a house in the Phillipines and made a handful of arrests while rescuing eight or nine children who were being trafficked for live sex streaming over the internet. The case began with the arrest of Kelly Jasperson of Afton, Wyoming, on child pornography allegations.

Wyoming Child Porn Case Ends With Raid Of Philippines Sex House

What started as a child pornography bust in Lincoln County, Wyoming, ended this month with the rescue of nine children from sex trafficking in the Philippines, authorities say. Local agents got to watch the bust via Zoom as the raid unfolded.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2025

FBI agents Tuesday arrested an illegal immigrant they say has ties to a transnational drug cartel and is suspected of dealing large quantities of meth around Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation. Two more people, including one illegal immigrant from Mexico, were also arrested. The FBI released this photo with the faces of agents and a suspect blurred out.

FBI, ICE Nab Suspected Mexican Cartel Member Working On Wyoming Reservation

FBI agents arrested Tuesday an illegal immigrant they say has ties to a drug cartel and is suspected of dealing meth around Wyoming’s Wind River Indian Reservation. Two others, including an illegal immigrant from Mexico, were also arrested.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2025

Stephen Craig Campbell was arrested in New Mexico on Feb. 19, 2025, after being on the lam since 1982, suspected in a Green River bombing.

Man Accused In 1982 Green River Bombing Caught In New Mexico After Standoff

A man accused of sending a bomb to his ex-wife’s new boyfriend’s house in Green River, Wyoming, in 1982, has been caught in New Mexico after more than 40 years, allegedly living under a dead classmate's identity. The blast blew off one of the woman’s fingers and caused other injuries.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 26, 2025

You Can Shoot A Vicious Dog In Wyoming, But Be Prepared To Back It Up

Concealed firearms carriers can legally shoot attacking dogs but should be prepared to back their stories up, self-defense experts say. It can be more complicated in a populated area, even leading to potential endangering charges.

Mark HeinzFebruary 25, 2025

The front patio at Alina Gaona’s apartment complex, where she says her estranged husband Oscar waited for her while baiting her to go home Oct. 9.

Man Accused Of Firing Shotgun At Fleeing Wife Agrees To 3-5 Years In Prison

A Sheridan man pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated assault, following claims he fired a shotgun toward his wife as she ran and took cover in a ditch. Prosecutors are seeking a three-to-five year prison sentence.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2025

Casper Man Charged With Illegal Gambling Says Wyoming's Ban Is Unconstitutional

A man accused of running a professional gambling operation out of three businesses is challenging the law with which he is charged. Scott Schroefel of Casper claims the state’s statute against illegal gambling is vague, confusing and unconstitutional.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2025

Paul Ailport, left, was sentenced Feb. 13, 2025, to 110 year in prison for attempted murder of his neighbor. Top right, a screengrab from home security video captures Ailport’s pickup on fire and speeding toward his neighbor’s home. Bottom right, the aftermath of Paul Ailport’s fiery truck assault on his neighbor’s home.

Montana Man Gets 110 Years For Crashing Homemade Truck Bomb Into Neighbor’s House

A neighborhood feud turned into a scene from “Mad Max” when a Montana man transformed his truck into a firebomb on wheels and sent it crashing into a neighbor’s house. He was sentenced earlier this month to 110 years in prison for attempted murder.

David MadisonFebruary 25, 2025

Powell Resident Shoots At Hawk With Fireworks

Though they were called to an active shooter incident, the Powell police quickly learned it was actually a person trying to blast a hawk with a roman candle. Meanwhile, the responding officer accidentally discharged a gun.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 25, 2025

Worland Man Charged With Shooting Own Dog Six Times, Hoping He'd 'Bleed Out'

Axel, a border-collie mix, is recovering after being shot six times by his owner. Donald W. Wright, 59, of Worland, Wyoming, was in court Monday, charged with cruelty to animals and saying he hoped the dog would "bleed out."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2025

Thermopolis Woman Accused Of Taking At Least $15,000 From FFA Alumni Pleads Guilty

A Thermopolis woman accused of stealing at least $15,000 from a Future Farmers of America (FFA) alumni group pleaded guilty last week to felony charges. The special prosecutor on the case is now asking for no more than 30 months in prison.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2025

Douglas Man Gets 48-62 Years For Killing Green Beret Cousin

Mark Helms has been sentenced to 48-62 years in prison for killing his cousin Nicholas Velazquez, a special forces Green Beret. The pair had been drinking overnight at Helms' home in 2023.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 24, 2025

Green River Tunnel Survivor Still In Hospital, Family Grateful For Support

The 20-year-old woman who was severely hurt in the Feb. 14 tunnel collision outside of Green River, Wyoming, remains hospitalized. She’s in the care of "incredible medical teams," her family says.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 22, 2025

Cody McCalla pleaded no-contest Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, to fatally punching a local hockey coach in the head and killing him after a dispute about a parking space last summer. He agreed to a sentence of four to six years in prison.

Sheridan Man Agrees To 4-6 Years For Punching Hockey Coach To Death

A Sheridan man pleaded no-contest Wednesday to fatally punching a local hockey coach in the head after a dispute about a parking space last summer. He's agreed to a prison sentence of four to six years.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2025

Kevin Medibles told police he “wanted to feel it” when he brutally beat and stabbed a woman to death last year. On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, he was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Wyoming Man Who “Wanted To Feel It” When He Killed Woman Gets 40 Years

An Ethete, Wyoming, man who told police he “wanted to feel it” when he brutally beat and stabbed a woman to death last year was sentenced to 40 years in prison Friday.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 21, 2025

UW Volleyball Players Want Judge Off Case For Making Them Call Trans Player ‘She’

Three University of Wyoming volleyball players are among those who sued over a transgender player being allowed on a rival team. They’re now asking a Colorado judge to recuse himself from their case for making them refer to the trans player as “she.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 21, 2025

Man Who Strangled Drunk Man At Casper Motel Gets 62 Years To Life

A 44-year-old Casper man faces a 62-to-life prison sentence for strangling a 28-year-old man in a Casper motel room last March. James Mavigliano was convicted of second-degree murder in December following a jury trial.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2025

Two Dead In Latest Green River Crash ID'd; Semi Truck Went Straight On Curve

A fatal crash outside Green River that killed two people Wednesday happened when a semitruck failed to navigate a curve and collided with a Honda Odyssey, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reports.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025

– Defense attorney Marty Scott confers with Luka Rasmussen, 18, during Rasmussen's preliminary hearing Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.

Casper Teen Charged In Fatal Shooting Had History Of Pointing Gun At People

An 18-year-old Casper man was bound over to Natrona County District Court Thursday on an involuntary manslaughter charge. Evidence at a preliminary hearing showed he had a history of pointing his .40-caliber Glock at others.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 20, 2025

Man Calls In 6 Bomb Threats To Evanston Horse Palace

A man forced the Evanston Horse Palace to close Wednesday night when he called six times in a row to say he planted a bomb inside. After a sweep with a bomb-sniffing dog, the threats are believed to be a hoax that could’ve come from anywhere.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 20, 2025

Terrence Paul Jenkins was sentenced to 36-40 years in prison for attacking and attempting to kidnap a Riverton girl in 2022 and stabbing and robbing another woman that same night.

Wyoming Girl Who Fought Off Attacker Forgives Him As He Gets 36-40 Years

A man who attacked and tried to kidnap a Wyoming girl outside a Riverton movie theater was sentenced Thursday to 36-40 years in prison. His victim told Cowboy State Daily that as she fought him off, she was determined to not be another memorial on Facebook.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025

A Wyoming Department of Transportation webcam at the Green River Tunnel shows traffic moving through it again Thursday morning, Feb. 20, 2025, one lane each way through the eastbound tunnel.

Green River Tunnel Open To 2-Way Traffic Again After Devastating Crash

The Wyoming Department of Transportation has opened two-way traffic through the Green River Tunnel on Thursday for the first time since a devastating 26-vehicle crash last Friday. Traffic is moving through the eastbound lanes at reduced speeds.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025

Two Dead In Crash Outside Of Green River; Not Part Of Tunnel Detour

Two people died and one person was injured in a two-vehicle crash Wednesday evening outside Green River, at a junction that isn’t part of a congested detour through the town, the Wyoming Highway Patrol says.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 20, 2025

Sheridan Kids Taken By Mom Still Not Home, But Believed Safe, Police Report

After a dayslong search for a pair of young children from Sheridan who were taken Sunday by their mother, local police Wednesday night called off an alert asking people to be on the lookout for them.

Jen KocherFebruary 20, 2025

Alexander Paul Cochran, a 27-year-old Casper man with a long record, faces new charges after he entered a home early Monday, threatened a man, slapped him, pulled a knife and busted out pickup truck windows.

Casper Man Accused Of Invading Home, Pulling Knife And Threatening To Shoot Up House

A 27-year-old Casper man is accused of a 2 a.m. home invasion Tuesday in which he hit a man and threatened him with a knife. He also allegedly threatened to shoot up the house.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 19, 2025

A combination of body camera and home surveillance video shows the altercation that led up to a Thermopolis police officer and Hot Springs County sheriff's deputy to shoot a man wielding a bat in September 2024.

Wyoming Cops Release Dramatic Video Showing Shooting Of Man With Baseball Bat

A compilation of body, dash camera and home video released Tuesday shows what led two law enforcement officers to shoot and kill a Thermopolis man threatening them with a baseball bat. The man’s distraught father asks, “Why’d you have to shoot somebody?”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2025

Police in Sheridan, Wyoming, are asking the public’s help in locating 4-year-old Lindsey Fogli and her 3-year-old brother Colin, reported missing Sunday. They’re believed to have been taken by their mom.

Sheridan Police Ask For Help Finding 2 Young Kids Taken By Mom

Police in Sheridan, Wyoming, are asking the public’s help in locating a 4-year-old girl and her 3-year-old brother reported missing Sunday. They’re believed to have been taken by their mom.

Jen KocherFebruary 19, 2025

Man Who Bleached Romantic Rival To Stay In Prison Under “Deadly Weapon” Law

Liquid bleach can be a deadly weapon, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday. The decision comes after a man who splashed bleach in his romantic rival’s face challenged his felony conviction.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2025

Christopher Johnson, 20, left, and Quentin Romero, 22, right, both of Rawlins, have been identified as two of three fatalities from Friday's Green River Tunnel crash. A photo of the third, Harmanjeet Singh, 30 of Nova Scotia, Canada, was not available.

Two Rawlins Men, One From Canada ID'd As Green River Tunnel Crash Fatalities

Authorities Tuesday released the names of the three men who died Friday in a devastating Green River, Wyoming, tunnel collision. They are Christopher Johnson, 20 of Rawlins; Quentin Romero, 22 of Rawlins; and Harmanjeet Singh, 30 of Nova Scotia, Canada.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 19, 2025

Sheridan Police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee was shot and killed in the line of duty Feb. 13, 2024, allegedy by William F. Lowery. Nearly a year later, Lowery's mother has been indicted on allegations she gave weapons to a felon.

Mother Of Alleged Sheridan Cop Killer Charged With Giving Guns To Felon

The 71-year-old mother of the man suspected of shooting and killing a Sheridan police sergeant last February has been federally charged with giving guns to a felon. The indictment doesn’t say whether that felon was her son.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 18, 2025

Cliff Harshman lost his entire family last week when his wife, suffering from postpartum depression, shot her four young daughters then herself in their Byron, Wyoming, home. He tells Cowboy State Daily he’s just living one breath to the next.

Byron Man Discusses Wife's Last Days Before Murder-Suicide

Twelve hours after his wife shot her four children and herself, Cliff Harshman sat in a hospital waiting room. “I sat and wept. And I cried to God: ‘Please forgive her. Help me forgive her,’” he told Cowboy State Daily. “I lost my best friend. My kids. Everything.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 18, 2025

Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Parker Smith with his wife, Aby, and 4-year-old son PJ, and 2-year-old son Christian.

Wyoming Trooper Faces Worst Nightmare — Responding To His Own Family’s Crash

A Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper faced his worst nightmare last week — responding to a crash involving his own family. A witness tells Cowboy State Daily about the urgent rescue of the trooper’s 2-year-old son, who remains in serious condition.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 18, 2025

Friday's crash inside the westbound Green River Tunnel killed three people, officials confirmed as the final death toll.

Final Death Toll In Green River Tunnel Crash At 3, Cause Under Investigation

Investigators said Monday that the final death toll in the 26-vehicle collision inside the Green River Tunnel on Interstate 80 is three dead. The cause and circumstances remain under investigation.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 17, 2025

A multi-agency rescue effort was launched Saturday and continued Sunday to recover an ATV with two people inside that had broken through the ice of Glendo Reservoir.

Two Die After Side-By-Side Breaks Through Ice On Glendo Reservoir

Two men died on Saturday after their UTV broke through the icy waters in Glendo Reservoir. A brother of one of the victims told Cowboy State Daily that the first responders were heroes. “Thank you for your service in the bitter cold," he said.

Andrew RossiFebruary 17, 2025

With the westbound lane of Interstate 80 through the Green River Tunnel closed, a lot of commercial truck traffic is moving through the small southwest Wyoming city.

Green River Flooded With Semis With Tunnel Closed After Devastating Crash

The small city of Green River, Wyoming, lies next to Interstate 80, one of the busiest commercial truck routes in the U.S. After Friday’s devastating crash that closed the busy Green River Tunnel, thousands of vehicles are driving through town instead.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 17, 2025

From the charred westbound lane of the Green River Tunnel on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025.

WYDOT Director Says Green River Tunnel Crash Started Outside Tunnel

The 26-vehicle fatal crash inside the Green River Tunnel on Interstate 80 started outside of the tunnel, WYDOT Director Darin Westby told Cowboy State Daily on Monday. Work crews continue to clear debris from the roadway.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 17, 2025

Burned vehicles inside Green River tunnel on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Third Fatality Confirmed In Green River Tunnel Crash, 26 Vehicles Involved

A third person has been confirmed dead in Friday’s devastating multivehicle crash in the westbound lane of the Green River Tunnel, officials reported Sunday. It’s believed 26 vehicles were involved.

Zakary Sonntag & Greg JohnsonFebruary 16, 2025

Quinn Blackmer with his two daughters Brailey, right, and Olivia. Both were shot Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Brailey, 9, died, while Olivia, 7, at left, has died after fighting for her life in a Salt Lake City hospital for nearly a week.

Olivia, 7-Year-Old Lone Survivor Of Byron Murder-Suicide, Dies In Utah Hospital

Olivia Blackmer, 7, was the lone survivor of a Feb. 10 murder-suicide in Byron, Wyoming, by which her three sisters and mother died last week. Olivia pulled through a brain surgery early last week, but ultimately died Saturday, her family has confirmed.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 16, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon speaks to state Sen. John Kolb following a press conference on the Green River tunnel

Responders Still Putting Out Fires, Clearing Vehicles At Green River Tunnel

At a press conference on Saturday, officials said emergency responders were still working to extinguish fires and clear piled-up vehicles, after a wreck in the Green River tunnel killed at least two people and sparked a raging blaze.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 15, 2025

A long-haul trucker who makes TikTok videos was involved in Friday's horrific Green River Tunnel crash and posted three videos about it.

Trucker In Deadly Green River Tunnel Crash Describes Harrowing Escape

A trucker who narrowly escaped Friday’s explosive pileup in the Green River Tunnel described the horror inside and shared video footage of him kicking out the window of his truck to escape.

Greg JohnsonFebruary 15, 2025

Nobody has seen or heard from Natasha Requejo since last July, leaving family and friends desperate for news of the missing mom of seven from Lusk, Wyoming. Her boyfriend at the time says she just walked off one day, leaving him and her kids behind.

Family, Friends Desperate For News Of Lusk Mother Of 7 Missing Since July

Nobody has seen or heard from Natasha Requejo since last July, leaving family and friends desperate for news of the missing mother of seven from Lusk. Her boyfriend says she just walked off one day, leaving him and her kids behind.

Jen KocherFebruary 15, 2025

Emergency crews worked around the clock responding to a massive crash and fire in the Green River Tunnel on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Massive Response To Green River Tunnel Crash, Death Toll May Rise

The Wyoming Highway Patrol on Saturday said fatalities could rise as the number of vehicles involved in a massive crash inside a tunnel on I-80 near Green River has not yet been confirmed. First responders worked through the night to fight the fire inside the tunnel.

Zakary SonntagFebruary 15, 2025

An investigation is underway at the Green River Tunnel along Interstate 80 after a fatal multi-vehicle crash sparked explosions and an intense fire inside Friday, Feb. 14, 2025.

Fire, Weakened Structure Keeps Responders Out Of Tunnel For Hours; Motorists Run For Safety

Fire and rescue crews at an explosive tunnel collision outside Green River could not enter the tunnel for hours Friday after the initial crash. The fire inside was too intense, and the tunnel’s structure had been weakened. Motorists inside the tunnel had to run for safety.

Clair McFarland, Jimmy Orr & Andrew RossiFebruary 14, 2025

Response Shifts To Recovery After “Huge Explosions,” Multiple Fatalities In Crash In Green River Tunnel

Heavy, black smoke billowed out of both ends of the Green River Tunnel along Interstate 80 after a fatal multivehicle pileup and fire inside Friday afternoon. Witnesses report feeling and hearing “huge explosions.” By late Friday night, the response had shifted from rescue to recovery.

Andrew Rossi, Clair McFarland & Jimmy OrrFebruary 14, 2025

Luka Rasmussen, 18, appears in Casper Circuit Court on Feb. 13, 2025, charged with involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of a 16-year-old.

Affidavit: After Casper Teen Killed, Homeowner Told Shooter To “Get Rid Of The Gun”

After a 16-year-old Casper boy was accidentally shot in the head and killed while smoking pot and playing a video game with friends, the homeowner and dad of one of the teens told the shooter to “get rid of the gun,” a court affidavit says.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 14, 2025

Gillette Man Charged With Murder For Killing Half-Sister Pleads Not Guilty

The Gillette man accused of shooting his half-sister in the head and killing her last month pleaded not guilty Thursday. Vincent Hackett faces a second-degree murder charge.

Jen KocherFebruary 13, 2025

It's Been A Year Since Sheridan Police Sgt. Nevada Krinkee Was Killed On Duty

Feb. 13 will always be a day the Sheridan Police Department will never forget. It was a year ago Thursday that Sgt. Nevada Krinkee, a popular veteran of the police force, was killed in the line of duty. His sacrifice is being remembered in Sheridan and around Wyoming.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

Probation For Accused Jackson Flasher Who Claimed His Pants Accidentally “Fell Down”

A man accused of flashing his genitalia at women and girls in Jackson and telling police his pants accidentally "fell down" was sentenced to one year probation, mental health treatment and community service.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

Teen Arrested After 16-Year-Old Shot, Killed At Casper Home

An 18-year-old Casper man has been arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter after a 16-year-old boy was shot and killed Wednesday night. It’s the third teen-on-teen fatal incident in the town in less than a year.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 13, 2025

Staff and students at Rocky Mountain Elementary School in Cowley, Wyoming, are coping with a Feb. 10, 2025, murder-suicide that killed Brailey Blackmer, 9, and has left her 7-year-old sister Olivia fighting for her life. Both are students at the school.

Shooting Of Classmates Has School Coping, Praying After Byron Murder-Suicide

The Rocky Mountain Elementary School has brought in four extra counselors and a support dog to help its 171 students in the aftermath of a Monday murder-suicide that killed one of its students and left another in critical condition.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

The Wyoming Refining Co. refinery in Newcastle, Wyoming.

Explosion at Newcastle Refinery Leaves Town Without Electricity, 911 Service

An explosion at an oil refinery in Newcastle on Wednesday night, unleased a power surge that killed the town’s electricity and 911 service. One person said the explosion was like something out of a “horror movie.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

Olivia Blackmer, 7, continues to cling to life in a Salt Lake City hospital recovering from brain surgery. She was the lone survivor of a murder-suicide that claimed the lives of her three sisters and mother on Feb. 10, 2025, in Byron, Wyoming.

7-Year-OId Survivor Of Byron Murder-Suicide Clings To Life After Brain Surgery

The father of the only survivor of a Monday murder-suicide that claimed the lives of three girls and their mother says 7-year-old Olivia Blackmer is “still fighting.” Her brain swelling has been spiking, but she's still responding to medication, he said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

Riverton Woman Gets 3-5 Years In Prison For Shooting Boyfriend's Foot

A Riverton woman was sentenced to between three and five years in prison Tuesday for shooting off part of her boyfriend's toe during an argument. Jordan Weliever also was ordered to pay about $6,100 to the state to reimburse the victim’s medical expenses.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 13, 2025

A pilot walked away from making an emergency landing on Wyoming Highway 789 on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, near Rawlins. One longtime pilot calls it the “best-case scenario” for a forced landing in freezing temperatures.

Pilot Makes Emergency Landing On Wyoming Highway Near Rawlins

A pilot walked away from making an emergency landing on Wyoming Highway 789 on Wednesday near Rawlins. One longtime pilot calls it the “best-case scenario” for a forced landing in freezing temperatures.

Andrew RossiFebruary 12, 2025

Cliff Harshman, husband of Tranyelle Harshman who died with three of her four daughters in a murder-suicide Monday, says his wife suffered from depression and had other mental struggles.

Husband Of Woman In Byron Murder-Suicide Says She Was Depressed, Struggling

The Wyoming woman who shot her four daughters then herself Monday suffered from depression and other struggles, her husband told Cowboy State Daily on Wednesday. He said his wife's break has been both heartbreaking and shocking, because she “was not a monster.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

Quinn Blackmer with his two daughters Brailey, right, and Olivia. Both were shot Monday, Feb. 10, 2025. Brailey, 9, died, while Olivia, 7, is fighting for her life in a Salt Lake City hospital.

Dad Of Two Girls Shot In Byron Murder-Suicide Pleads, “Pray For My Baby”

The father of 7- and 9-year-old girls shot Monday in a murder-suicide in Byron, Wyoming, is praying frantically for the one of four young children who survived. He pleads for the world as well to “pray for my baby.”

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

No Outward Signs Byron Mom Suspected Of Shooting Kids Was Struggling, Neighbors Say

Sheriffs deputies described walking in on a nightmare scene Monday in a home where a mother is suspected of shooting her four children, then herself. A next-door neighbor says he was blindsided and never saw any outward signs the mom was struggling.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

LDS Church Admits Cody Official Gave Bad Advice That Led To Approval Of Temple

An attorney representing the LDS church told the Wyoming Supreme Court on Tuesday that a city official gave bad advice that led to approving a controversial 101-foot steeple for the temple the church is building there.

Leo WolfsonFebruary 12, 2025

Byron Mom Suspected Of Shooting Her 4 Daughters Then Herself Dies

The Byron mother who called 911 to say her four daughters had been shot then turned the gun on herself died Tuesday afternoon, the Big Horn County Sheriff told Cowboy State Daily.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 12, 2025

What a pilot sees during a laser strike. A Montana man has been given prison time for pointing lasers at aircraft.

Paranoid Montana Man Draws Prison Time For Pointing Laser At Aircraft

When a Kalispell, Montana, man became convinced he was being followed by low-flying aircraft, he laser-blasted a flight instructor. She used her plane to help police make an arrest, and now he’ll spend 2.5 years in prison.

David MadisonFebruary 11, 2025

Dylan Short faces three felonies and a misdemeanor charge stemming from actions on Feb. 8 where he tried to set himself on fire, blow up gunpowder on a stove, and cut himself with a knife.

Casper Man Who Tried To Blow Himself Up Faces Felony Charges

A 28-year-old Casper man who unsuccessfully tried to blow himself up and challenged a police officer to “shoot me” was charged with three felonies Monday.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 11, 2025

A Byron, Wyoming, mother shot her four daughters, called 911 to report it, then shot herself in the head Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday. Three children are dead, while the condition of the fourth and mother are unknown.

Small-Town Wyoming Mom Called 911, Reported Her Four Kids Shot Then Shot Herself

A Byron, Wyoming, mother called 911 to report her four daughters had been shot, then shot herself in the head Monday, the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office reported Tuesday. Three children are dead, while the condition of the fourth and mother are unknown.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2025

Photo outside home of shooting in Byron, Wyoming, on February 10, 2025

Five Gunshot Victims, Some Dead In Byron Shooting

Law enforcement agents found five gunshot victims at a home in Byron, Wyoming, the Big Horn County sheriff's office announced on Monday. Some were found dead; two were taken to medical care.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2025

Razor Wire, Drugs And 'Coyotes' - Wyoming Troopers Say Texas Border Problems "Massive"

Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers who went to Texas last summer to assist state patrol and enforce the U.S. border told legislators on Monday that their experiences were eye-opening. “The problems Texas is facing are massive,” one trooper said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 11, 2025

Jackson Newspaper Gives Community A Heads-Up During Active ICE Investigation

A Jackson newspaper announced that an ICE raid was taking place Friday in Jackson Hole, while it was still occurring. One former ICE official called it "bullshit" and a breach of safety and trust. Another said the media is going to report what it thinks is news.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2025

A three-month-old baby was returned to its frantic mother on Sunday night in Riverton after a vehicle was stolen, and then abandoned, with the baby in it.

Baby Safe After Car Thief Abandons Vehicle Near Riverton

A three-month-old baby who was in the back of a stolen Ford Escape was returned to its mother on Sunday evening near Riverton after the car thief abandoned the vehicle. The perpetrator has not yet been located.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 10, 2025

Shayna Ritthaler was 16 when she ran away with 17-year-old Michael Campbell, whom she'd met online. Within days, Campbell shot and killed her at his mother's home in Sturgis, South Dakota, in October 2019.

Grandparents Of Murdered Upton Teen Plead For Missing Persons Bill

By the time authorities were legally able to enter the home on Oct. 7, 2019, it was too late. Shayna Ritthaler was found dead in a closet covered with clothing. Wyoming is one of six states that don't have missing person reporting requirements.

Jen KocherFebruary 08, 2025

Rowan Littauer, left, and Orion Schlesinger

Death Penalty On The Table In Bow And Arrow Death; Prosecutor Says Man Was 'Impaled'

Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich said he hasn’t ruled out seeking the death penalty for two Big Piney men charged Friday with first-degree murder, in the death of a man investigators say was killed by a bow and arrow. The victim was "impaled" by a man who later bragged about the act to friends, Melinkovich alleged in court.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2025

Casper Man Receives 60-Plus Years For Child Rape, Child Pornography Charges

A 26-year-old Casper man who once bragged about having sex with young children was sentenced on Friday in Natrona County District Court to over 60 years for raping a child and soliciting others to do the same.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 07, 2025

Multiple agents were on scene Monday evening, Sept. 9., 2024, after an officer-involved shooting prompted road closures along the block and up to the nearby railroad tracks.

No Charges For Thermopolis Officer, Deputy Who Shot Baseball Bat Attacker

There will be no criminal charges filed against the police officer and sheriff's deputy who shot and killed a Thermopolis man who charged them with a metal baseball bat. The special prosecutor on Friday said the agents acted within Wyoming's self-defense laws,

Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2025

A jar showing a fundraising drive for Dakota Farley's burial, left; Orion Schlesinger's booking photo, top right; Rowan Littauer's booking photo, bottom right

Two Big Piney Men, 18 and 19, Charged With First-Degree Murder In Bow And Arrow Death

Sublette County sheriff's investigators found a 23-year-old man dead of apparent arrow wounds Wednesday in a Big Piney home. Two men aged 18 and 19 were charged with variations of first-degree murder Friday morning.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 07, 2025

Teen Girl Accused In Reliance Bonfire Shooting Charged As Adult

A 16-year-old Rock Springs girl has been charged as an adult after Sweetwater County Sheriff’s investigators say she shot two men who were in a fight with her boyfriend. The shooting happened late Saturday near a bonfire party spot outside Reliance.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2025

Judge Won’t Dismiss Sheridan Man’s “Sucker-Punch” Manslaughter Case Early

A judge declined Tuesday to dismiss the case of a man accused of killing a Sheridan hockey coach with a blow the coach's girlfriend called a "sucker punch." Cody McCalla claimed he acted in self-defense after getting into a fight with the victim.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2025

In Brief: Man In Big Piney Home Found Dead, Other Man Questioned

A man was found dead of "significant injuries" Wednesday in a home in Big Piney, the Sublette County Sheriff's Office reports. Another adult male was detained for questioning.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 06, 2025

Gov. Mark Gordon and Judge Melissa Owens

Governor, AG Say Judge Misapplied Law When Striking Down Abortion Bans

The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office argued this week that a judge misapplied the law when she struck down two abortion bans in November. The AG claims in a filing that the judge leaned on an abortion-friendly doctors' testimony when proclaiming abortion "health care."

Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2025

Coroner's Report: Senior Died Of Hypothermia At Gillette Assisted Living Center

A coroner's report released Tuesday revealed an ongoing investigation into two deaths at a Gillette assisted living center. In January, an 88-year-old resident was found dead of hypothermia outside while a 66-year-old resident died of an overdose in November. Five employees have been terminated.

Jen KocherFebruary 05, 2025

A 37 year-old male from Evanston, Wyoming was caught, carried, fully buried, and killed in an avalanche in the Monte Cristo area, east of Huntsville, Utah.

Evanston Snowmobiler Killed In Avalanche; Friends Say Man Was 'Too Good For This Earth'

Scott Wright, 37, of Evanston, Wyoming, was killed in an avalanche in Utah on Monday, authorities say. A friend of his told Cowboy State Daily that Wright was an avid snowmobiler who loved working on the machines and building them.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 05, 2025

Former Riverton School Board Candidate Gets 25-30 Years For Molesting Child

Hunter DeVries, 23, was sentenced Tuesday to 25-30 years in prison for molesting a child over the course of several months. He ran for the local school board last year, and despite showing remorse, deserves a “lengthy prison sentence,” the judge said.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2025

Woman Accused Of Leading Five Law Enforcement Agencies On Wild Riverton Chase, Crashing Into Deputy

A woman charged Friday is accused of leading at least five police agencies on a chase in Riverton, Wyoming. She sped over spike strips, pulled a U-turn on the highway and rammed a deputy's truck while drinking from a bottle of alcohol, court documents say.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 04, 2025

Kevin Kolenda is accused of scamming the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby in 2018. He sold an insurance policy against the derby’s $10,000 prize, and when someone won, didn’t pay out.

Law Catches Up To Man Accused Of Scamming Saratoga’s $10,000 Ice Fishing Derby

The law has caught up to a man accused of scamming the Saratoga Ice Fishing Derby in 2018. He sold an insurance policy against the derby’s $10,000 prize, and when someone won, didn’t pay out. He’s accused of defrauding others of nearly $1 million.

Renée JeanFebruary 03, 2025

Juvenile Suspected Of Shooting Two At Sweetwater County Bonfire Party

No one was in custody Monday for a shooting in which two young adults were hurt at a Saturday bonfire party outside Reliance, Wyoming. Two people were hospitalized, and the suspected shooter is a juvenile, the Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office says.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 03, 2025

Bernadette Blacketer, 83, was killed when she was hit by a vehicle Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025, while walking to open St. Francis Catholic Church on Arapahoe Street in Thermopolis.

No Charges Filed So Far In Fatal Thermopolis Hit And Run

No criminal charges have been filed so far against a juvenile involved in a fatal hit and run that killed an 85-year-old woman in Thermopolis last week, the Wyoming Highway Patrol said on Saturday.

Clair McFarlandFebruary 01, 2025

A pilot program in Casper’s Municipal Court aims to divert people with mental health issues and substance disorders to a treatment program. City Attorney Eric Nelson said it’s getting kudos from the Wyoming State Supreme Court. Central Wyoming Counselling Center is collaborating on the project.

Supreme Court Backs Non-Violent Offenders Getting Treatment Instead Of Jail

The Wyoming Supreme Court is supporting a pilot Casper Municipal Court program to get non-violent offenders mental help instead of jail. The program can save the city money and become a model for the rest of the state.

Dale KillingbeckFebruary 01, 2025

Former Bar Nunn Fire Chief Accused Of Stealing From Fill The Boot Fundraiser

The former fire chief for Bar Nunn, Wyoming, was in court Thursday to face multiple felony charges. He’s accused of using a department credit card for personal purchases and stealing more than $2,600 from an MDA Fill the Boot fundraiser.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 31, 2025

Accused Gillette Kidnapper Doesn't Help Case By Apologizing In Court

A Gillette man accused of kidnapping a woman and leading deputies on a high-speed chase up to 170 mph didn’t help his case by apologizing in court Thursday. Although warned by the judge not to incriminate himself, he said, “I feel sorry for what I did."

Clair McFarlandJanuary 31, 2025

Allen Thompson, executive director for Wyoming Association of Sheriffs and Chiefs of Police, testifies in favor of Senate File 114, which would establish protocols for law enforcement in taking missing persons reports.

Wyoming One Of 6 States Without Missing Person Protocols; New Law Would Change That

Wyoming is one of six states without protocols for when people go missing. A bill that passed to the state Senate on Thursday would change that, requiring timely reporting and listing on national databases.

Jen KocherJanuary 31, 2025

Meth Butte Montana Jimmy Emerson via Flickr 1 31 25

Montana Drug Trafficker Who Wouldn’t Flip Accused Of Bear Spraying Girlfriend

When a drug smuggler busted in Butte, Montana, wouldn’t flip and become an informant, he went on the run. Then a domestic violence call revealed the true scope of his crime spree, including bear-spraying a girlfriend.

David MadisonJanuary 31, 2025

Gillette Man Accused Of Shooting Half-Sister In The Face To Face Murder Trial

A Gillette man accused of killing his half-sister last week when he allegedly shot her in the face was in court Thursday, but not for long. He waived a preliminary hearing and will face a murder trial.

Jen KocherJanuary 30, 2025

Some of the 86 seized horses being kept at a Montana ranch.

Wyoming Trainer Helps With Rescue Of 86 Neglected Morgan Horses In Montana

When a Montana horse breeder allegedly stopped caring for his herd of Morgans, a pair of ranch hands alerted authorities. A Wyoming trainer has been part of the rescue effort to save 86 neglected Morgans.

David MadisonJanuary 30, 2025

Wyoming Man Faces 548 Years In Prison Over Disturbing Child Porn Allegations

A Reliance, Wyoming, man is facing a half-millennium in prison on claims he kept and transferred disturbing child-sex pictures and videos. He pleaded not guilty to 31 of the 54 charges against him Wednesday.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 30, 2025

Wyoming sheriffs are reporting seeing drones over some sensitive areas, like power plants and oil fields.

Eight Wyoming Sheriffs Seeing Mystery Drones Still Have No Answers

The White House says the drones over New Jersey last year were authorized. But that doesn't explain what multiple Wyoming sheriffs who reached out to Cowboy State Daily say they're seeing over power plants and oil fields.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 29, 2025

Fake "Bitcoin Billionaire" Cheated Jackson Businesses Out Of $212K, Prosecutors Say

Passing himself off as a "bitcoin billionaire," a 30-year-old California man was able to cheat Jackson, Wyoming, businesses out of nearly $212,000 for resort stays, bar tabs and a new Dodge Ram, prosecutors allege.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 29, 2025

A 15-year-old Casper boy reportedly said "I hope I killed one" after allegedly shooting five times into a home in the 1100 block of North Durbin Street in Casper, Wyoming.

Casper Teen Who Said “I Hope I Killed One” After Shooting At Homes Pleads Guilty

A 15-year-old Casper boy who reportedly told friends “I hope I killed one” pleaded guilty Wednesday to shooting a 10 mm pistol into two homes in August. He faces up to 10 years in prison.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 29, 2025

Cheyenne Woman Accused Of Stabbing Husband, Who Died After Refusing Treatment

A Cheyenne woman accused of stabbing her husband now faces a murder charge after he died four days later, the Cheyenne Police Department reported Tuesday. The alleged victim initially refused treatment at the scene.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 28, 2025

Nearly a year after punching Laramie resident Wendy Budrow in the face so hard he broke her jaw "from ear to ear," the suspect, David Leyba, has been caught in Colorado

Transient Pleads Guilty To Breaking Laramie Woman’s Face

A transient man accused of breaking his ex-girlfriend’s face after she asked him to leave her home pleaded guilty Monday in a Laramie courthouse. David Leyba, 60, evaded arrest for nearly a year after the attack.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 27, 2025

Nearly 50 illegal immigrants were arrested in Denver on Sunday, January 26, 2025

Feds Raid Denver Party, Arrest 49 Illegal Immigrants; Investigations Ongoing In Wyoming

Federal agents on Sunday raided a private party in southeast Denver and arrested 49 illegal aliens including alleged members of Tren de Aragua. Agents say investigations are ongoing in Wyoming.

Jen KocherJanuary 27, 2025

Chris McDonald, 51, completed the elite FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia, as one of 1% of senior law enforcement officers throughout the country and world. His road to law enforcement began much earlier, however, when he joined the Marines as a teen.

How A Budding Gillette Baseball Star And Marine Became A Pedophile Hunter

Chris McDonald grew up in Gillette and planned on a career in baseball. Then duty called and he became a Marine in Operation Desert Strom. Now he’s a pedophile hunter, leading DCI’s Internet Crimes Against Children division.

Jen KocherJanuary 26, 2025

Casper Man Caught Fleeing With 14-Year-Old Gets 37-45 Years

A Casper, Wyoming, man caught transporting a minor across state lines with intent to engage in sex acts faces 37-45 years in federal prison. The then-36-year-old was caught with his 14-year-old victim in Arizona.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 25, 2025

Gillette, Wyoming, police are investigating the death of an 88-year-old assisted living patient found dead outside in a courtyard of the Legacy Living and Rehabilitation Center.

4 Fired In Wake Of 88-Year-Old Found Dead Outside Gillette Assisted Living Center

Four people working at a Gillette, Wyoming, assisted living center have been fired in the wake of an 88-year-old resident there being found dead in an outside courtyard Jan. 10. The terminations were announced Thursday.

Jen KocherJanuary 24, 2025

Locals Remember Thermopolis Woman Killed In Hit-And-Run As "Remarkable"

Bernie Blacketer was a "remarkable" woman whose death is a blow to the town of Thermopolis, Wyoming, the town's mayor said Friday after Blacketer was killed in a hit-and-run. Blacketer would be "preaching forgiveness" over the incident, the mayor said.

Clair McFarland & Jackie DorothyJanuary 24, 2025

A pedestrian was killed when she was hit by a vehicle Friday morning, Jan. 24, 2025, in front of St. Francis Catholic Church on Arapahoe Street in Thermopolis.

Thermopolis Police Say They Found Driver In Hit-And-Run That Killed Pedestrian

A pedestrian was struck and killed Friday morning by a driver in Thermopolis, Wyoming, who didn’t stop to help after the collision, authorities say. Authorities announced Friday morning they'd found the driver.

Clair McFarland & Jackie DorothyJanuary 24, 2025

Former Wyoming Police Chief Accused Of Helping Girlfriend Elude Cops Arrested Again

The former Manderson, Wyoming, police chief is in trouble again, accused of violating a judge’s order and texting a woman investigators say he helped elude a drug investigation. He bonded out of jail Tuesday.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 24, 2025

Montana Pastor Used His “Karate Lessons” To Sexually Assault At Least One Child

A small-town Montana church pastor was convicted last week of sexually assaulting a child and has been accused of another. He used the self-defense “karate lessons” he taught to get close enough to abuse his victims, court documents say.

David MadisonJanuary 23, 2025

Cheyenne Teen Cops Plea, Could Get 10 Years For Pistol-Whipping And Shooting

A 19-year-old Cheyenne teen admitted pistol-whipping one person and threating others with a gun Thursday. In a plea deal, he could get up to 10 years in prison, or he could get Boot Camp.

Dale KillingbeckJanuary 23, 2025

Green River Man Walks Into Sheriff’s Office, Admits Molesting Child 30 Years Ago

A 72-year-old Green River, Wyoming, man walked into his local sheriff's office, said he "needed to confess" and told a detective he sexually abused a child 30 years ago, court documents say. He now faces up to 25 years in prison.

Clair McFarlandJanuary 23, 2025