Crime & Courts
News
![Northeast Wyoming Regional Airport 7 26 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Northeast-Wyoming-Regional-Airport-7.26.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Fatalities Confirmed In Northeast Wyoming Plane Crash
Emergency responders are responding to a site in northeast Wyoming on Friday afternoon where a plane crashed and sparked a wildfire. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office confirmed there were fatalities, but didn't know how many or who died.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2024
![Jennifer Elizabeth Lynch](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Jennifer-Elizabeth-Lynch-and-supreme-court-2-7.26.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
New Trial For Rawlins Woman Who Crushed Sleeping Pills Into Kids’ Milk
The Wyoming Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered a new trial for a Rawlins woman who admitted crushing up prescription sleeping pills into her children’s milk. Because no one proved the kids were injured, the high court ruled it wasn’t necessarily abuse.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2024
![Bank robber 7 25 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/bank-robber-7-25-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Police Dog Brings Down Suspected Bank Robber In Cheyenne
The Cheyenne Police Department credited one of their police dogs with apprehending a man suspected of robbing two banks in the city Thursday. Before his arrest, the suspect reportedly assaulted an officer by throwing a hammer at him.
Clair McFarlandJuly 26, 2024
![Missoula County emergency response personnel were hunting for broken trees Thursday after a 109 mph windstorm wracked the region Wednesday night so that no trees fall on bystanders.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/downed-power-lines-2-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Montana Officials Warn Residents That Streams Might Be Electrified After Violent Windstorm
After a violent windstorm knocked down power lines into waterways in western Montana, officials are warning people to stay out of the water, which they fear are electrified.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![James Bitner](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/James-Bitner-and-Mirror-Lake-7.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
In Brief: Body Found In Tarp At Mirror Lake ID’d As Colorado Homicide Victim
The body of a man found wrapped in a tarp and dumped at Mirror Lake in southern Wyoming has been identified. He’s a 56-year-old from Colorado, and the case is being investigated as a homicide, the Albany County sheriff said Thursday.
Jen KocherJuly 25, 2024
![The Roosevelt Lodge in Yellowstone National Park.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Roosevelt-Lodge-waltarrrrr-via-Flickr-7.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
In Brief: Yellowstone Contract Worker Who Threatened Mass Shooting Gets Probation
A worker for a Yellowstone contractor was sentenced to five years of probation Tuesday for threatening a “mass shooting” a day after another died in a shootout with park rangers.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![Liana Welde](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Liana-Welde-7.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
In Brief: Lovell Woman Focus Of Urgent Search Found Safe In Montana
A 20-year-old Lovell woman who was the subject of an urgent search was found safe in Montana on Wednesday.
Jen KocherJuly 25, 2024
![Jackson wyoming hospital](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/jackson-wyoming-hospital.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wife Claims Husband Died From Gangrene After Doctors Found He Was Illegal Immigrant
Ociel Perez died of flesh-eating gangrene after being discharged from St. John's Health in Jackson, Wyoming, according to a lawsuit. His wife alleges doctors didn't treat him properly after finding he was an illegal immigrant.
Clair McFarlandJuly 25, 2024
![Edwina Leman](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Edwina-Leman-Mugshots-1.25.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Douglas Woman Accepts Plea Deal For 10 Years Prison For Killing Mother
Edwina "GiGi" Leman has admitted to abusing her 81-year-old mother, and didn't argue that the elderly woman's injuries led to her death. Leman has struck a plea deal stipulating between 10 and 20 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 24, 2024
![Visiting University of Wyoming arts professor, Nash Quinn, 39, has not been seen or heard from since July 8 when he’s believed to have gone for a bike ride.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/quinn-2_2024-07-24-163107_wvet.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Search Underway for Missing University of Wyoming Professor
A massive ground search is underway for a University of Wyoming professor who has been missing for more than two weeks. Searchers believe he could be on his bicycle, which was missing from his apartment.
Jen KocherJuly 24, 2024
![Brian John Manderfeld](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Brian-John-Manderfeld-7.23.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
After Brother Opens Fire On Him, Meeteetse Man Gets Away In Shooter’s Truck
A Meeteetse, Wyoming, man made a harrowing getaway last week when his brother shot out his window with a handgun. He escaped by getting into the shooter’s truck and driving off.
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2024
![Israel Melvin](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Israel-Melvin-1.10.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Sheridan Man Accused Of Bludgeoning Mother To Death Not Sane Enough For Trial
A Sheridan man accused to bludgeoning is mother to death and hiding her body under gas-soaked blankets isn’t sane enough to stand trial. A Circuit Court judge has ordered an evaluation to see if he can ever be made competent to be prosecuted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 23, 2024
![Liana Welde](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Liana-Welde-7.22.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Missing Lovell Woman Last Seen On Foot, Without Cellphone Or Wallet
An urgent search is on for a 20-year-old Lovell, Wyoming, woman who’s been missing since Saturday night who officials fear may be in danger.
Jen KocherJuly 22, 2024
![The Campbell County Courthouse was evacuated Tuesday after a report of a hazardous material was received.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Campbell-County-Courthouse-evacuated-1-4.30.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gillette Man Accused Of Stealing Thousands In Ex-Wife’s DraftKings Winnings
A Gillette man faces a felony theft charge after thousands of dollars his ex-wife won betting on DraftKings was accidentally deposited into his bank account. The man has denied taking the money, although evidence shows it was later moved into his savings account.
Clair McFarlandJuly 22, 2024
![Thieves sometimes target parking lots at larger events looking for opportunities.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Car-thefts-Cars-7.22.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Most Wyoming Car Thefts Come Down To Leaving Them Unlocked, Keys In Them
Despite tech advances and a huge rise in video surveillance, a growing number Wyoming car thefts happen because they're left unlocked or with the keys inside. Multiple Cowboy State cities also report older vehicles are targeted more than newer.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 22, 2024
![Cheyenne musician Chris Hoover plays his prized 1977 Gibson Les Paul guitar.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Stolen-Gibson-guitar-Chris-Hoover-with-his-Gibson-Les-Paul-7.20.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Thieves Steal Prized Gibson Les Paul Guitar After Tree Falls On Cheyenne House
A giant tree fell on Chris Hoover’s house and demolished it in April. But the real blow to his soul came last week when thieves broke into the condemned home and stole the musician’s prized 1977 Gibson Les Paul guitar.
Jake NicholsJuly 20, 2024
![The lemonade stand in Mentock Park on Thursday, July 18, 2024. The kids were selling lemonade for two hours before being closed down.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Cody-lemonade-stand-IMG_2398-7.19.24.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Cody Cops Shut Down Kids’ Lemonade Stand In City Park
A group of kids set up a lemonade stand in Mentock Park in Cody on Thursday, but within a few hours, the stand and the kids were shut down for not having a permit after someone called the Cody Police Department.
Andrew RossiJuly 19, 2024
![Chloe tullis 7 19 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/chloe-tullis-7-19-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Yellowstone Contract Worker Charged With Attacking Parks Officer After Traffic Stop
A contract worker in Yellowstone National Park is facing a potential eight years in prison on claims she jumped onto a park ranger and punched him repeatedly when he tried to separate her from her boyfriend. She was indicted on a federal charge Thursday.
Clair McFarlandJuly 19, 2024
![Waldner micki 720](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/waldner__micki_720.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gillette Woman Arrested After Roommate Found Dead Next To Safe Filled With Drugs
A Gillette woman was arrested for felony drug possession after police found her 60-year-old roommate dead next to an open safe with methamphetamines inside.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2024
![Casper Police File Photo](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/casper-police-file-photo-6-4-23.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Casper Police Help Capture 14-Year-Old Denver Murder Suspect
Casper Police on Wednesday helped capture a 14-year-old male of Denver who went on the run after the July 10 killing of an adult male. Surveillance video and witness accounts helped identify Marquez as the suspect.
Clair McFarlandJuly 18, 2024
![Volkswagen file 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/volkswagen-file-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Volkswagen Bug Breaks Down So Alleged Drug Dealer Can't Finish Meth Run
A Gillette drug dealer couldn’t finish his methamphetamine run from Colorado last month because his Volkswagen bug slowed to a smoke-spewing crawl when he hit Chugwater, court documents say.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![Mix Collage 17 Jul 2024 03 36 PM 5113](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/MixCollage-17-Jul-2024-03-36-PM-5113.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Big Piney Man Faces 260 Years In Prison For Possession, Delivery of Child Pornography
A Big Piney man who allegedly went by the display name of "wyonaked" in an internet chat room was caught up in a sting where he was arrested on 24 counts of possession and distribution of child pornography. He faces up to 264 years in prison.
Jen KocherJuly 17, 2024
![Supreme court building 7 17 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/supreme-court-building-7-17-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Casper Millionaire's Son Loses Inheritance For Suing Co-Heirs
A Casper millionaire’s son lost his portion of a $4 million inheritance for suing co-beneficiaries of his father’s estate, the Wyoming Supreme Court ruled Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![The aftermath of a train wreck in which a semitruck containing two Wyoming men tried to clear a crossing ahead of a freight truck in Nebraska.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/dundy-county-train-wreck-photo-courtesy-sheriff.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Man Dead In Nebraska Semi Vs. Freight Train Crash
One Wyoming man died and one was injured Tuesday after a semi truck reportedly tried to beat a train to a temporary crossing on a curved Nebraska highway.
Clair McFarlandJuly 17, 2024
![Shelby klamer](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/shelby-klamer-cropped.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Rock Springs Woman Accused Of Stealing Ex's Gun While Texting Him About It
A Rock Springs woman accused of breaking into her ex-boyfriend’s home to steal a gun while sending him suspicious text messages about it faces up to 25 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
![James Botkin, left, was allegedly caught sexually attacking a Texas couple's mare early Sunday morning in Evanston, Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Botkin-and-horse.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Evanston Horse Molester Gets Maximum Sentence For Bestiality
James Botkin on Monday accepted a plea agreement giving him the maximum sentence for bestiality after he was arrested for sexually violating a horse at the Uinta County fairgrounds. He was sentenced to a year in jail.
Clair McFarlandJuly 16, 2024
![James Botkin, left, was allegedly caught sexually attacking a Texas couple's mare early Sunday morning in Evanston, Wyoming.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Botkin-and-horse.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Man Arrested In Alleged Sexual Abuse Of Horse In Evanston
A Texas couple said they caught a man early Monday in a stall at the Uinta County fairgrounds violating their horse. The man has been charged with one count of bestiality and faces one year in jail, if convicted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2024
![Hockey sticks 7 15 24](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/hockey-sticks-7-15-24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
A Punch Over A Parking Dispute Kills Sheridan Hockey Coach
Sheridan hockey coach Patrick Mudd died over the weekend, after he was allegedly "sucker punched" in a parking lot outside of the Sheridan WYO rodeo. The hockey community laid their sticks outside his home in mourning.
Clair McFarlandJuly 15, 2024
![Genealogist Megan McWilliams builds out a family tree using a DNA software tool.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Twin-investigators-megan-7.14.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wyoming Twins On Mission To Unravel Deaths Of 'Motel Mike' And 'Pine Bluffs Pete'
Megan McWilliams and Ashley Kroner are twins and genealogists who investigate some of the region's coldest cold cases and missing people mysteries. The Wyoming women are now working to unravel the decades-old deaths of "Motel Mike" and "Pine Bluffs Pete."
Jen KocherJuly 14, 2024
![A man was caught cutting through a chain-link fence at the New Hope Humane Society to steal this 4-month-old bulldog-mix puppy, named Zorro.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Stolen-dog-7.12.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Drunk Worland Man Charged With Trying To Steal Puppy Out Of Shelter
A drunk Worland, Wyoming, man who wasn’t allowed to adopt a bulldog-mix puppy was caught allegedly cutting through a chain-link fence to steal the pup.
Clair McFarlandJuly 12, 2024
![The 2013 Mustang Shelby GT500](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/2013-Mustang-Shelby-GT-7.12.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Gillette Teen Tops 155 MPH In Mustang While Running From Cops
A Gillette teen ran from cops at more than 155 mph Wednesday night, then hid in a field before he was arrested.
Jen KocherJuly 12, 2024
![Wind River Indian Reservation sign 12 21 23](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Wind-River-Indian-Reservation-sign-12.21.23.jpeg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Wind River Reservation Man Accused Of Raping Runaway Girl
Accused of getting a 14-year-old runaway drunk, putting her in a chokehold and molesting her, a 32-year-old Crowheart, Wyoming, man faces a potential lifetime in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 12, 2024
![Douglas Mark Smith](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Coin-shop-douglas-smith-courthouse-7.12.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Detective: Coin Shop Suspect, Neighborhood Not Searched After 2015 Double Murder
A Cheyenne police detective testified during a Friday hearing that the man now suspected of killing two men during a 2015 robbery wasn’t searched at the time. He also testified the neighborhood around The Coin Shop also wasn’t searched.
Leo WolfsonJuly 12, 2024
![Wamsutter water tower, Sept. 16, 2022.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/wamsutter-9-16-22.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Motorcycle Gang Rivalry Boils Over At Wyoming Truck Stop
When members of the Mongols Motorcycle Club came across a man wearing a Hell’s Angels jacket at a Wamsutter truck stop, the rivalry between the gangs boiled over. Now seven Mongols face felony charges for robbery and intimidation.
Clair McFarlandJuly 12, 2024
![The Rock Springs Police Department says missing children scams like this one posted in a local Facebook group are a growing concern.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Missing-kid-scam-7.12.14.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Scam Uses Fake Lost Wyoming Kid To Prey On Sympathies Of Potential Victims
A sad Facebook post in southwest Wyoming asks people to help reunite a lost little boy with his mom. Problem is, it’s a made-up sob story to exploit people with good hearts, says the Rock Springs Police Department.
Jen KocherJuly 12, 2024
![Laura Lane went missing somewhere near Grand Teton National Park on June 2, 2024.](https://cowboystatedaily.imgix.net/Laura-Lane-missing-6.12.24.jpg?ixlib=js-3.8.0&q=75&auto=format%2Ccompress&ar=3%3A2&fit=crop)
Authorities Investigating What Caused Idaho Woman’s Car To Drive Off 60-Foot Cliff
Many questions remain as officials investigate the death of an Idaho woman in Grand Teton National Park. Among those is what caused her car to drive off a 60-foot cliff and plunge into a river?
Jen KocherJuly 11, 2024