Crime & Courts
News
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
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
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
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
'Luckiest Kid In Sublette County' Demolishes Old Post Office With 5th-Wheel
The old post office in Marbleton, Wyoming, was demolished when a 17-year-old took a corner too fast and launched a truck and trailer through it. The owner of the building said the teen is the “luckiest kid in Sublette County” for walking away alive.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2024
Rock Springs Hostage Fought Husband For Gun While Taking A Beating
A woman held hostage at gunpoint by her estranged husband fought him for the weapon while taking a beating, court documents say. The man eventually gave up, but not before terrorizing his wife and repeatedly telling her they both would die.
Clair McFarlandJuly 11, 2024
In Brief: Man Charged With Fighting Arrest, Breaking Leg Of Casper Police Officer
A 41-year-old Evansville man who wanted to use drugs one more time before entering treatment is accused of breaking the leg of a Casper police officer while fighting his arrest.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 10, 2024
In Brief: Gillette 18-Year-Old Burned When Bucket Of Gas Spills In Car
A Gillette 18-year-old who had a bucket of gasoline in a car was burned early Wednesday morning. After gas had sloshed out of the bucket inside the car, a teen lit it on fire thinking it would burn off the spilled gas but not damage the car.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2024
In Brief: Sorry, Thieves, $14 Million Treasure Stashed In Smoot Home Is Gone
Cowboy State Daily reported Tuesday about a massive $14 million heist of gold, silver and cash from a Smoot, Wyoming, home. Now the local sheriff has a message for other potential thieves: Sorry, there’s no more treasure stashed there.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2024
Laramie Woman Gets 7-10 Years In Prison For Molesting Foster Teen
A Laramie woman was sentenced to 7-10 years in prison Monday after accepting a plea agreement for molesting a 14-year-old foster teen. The boy was living in a youth home where she worked, and her deal includes a reduction of sentence if she gets a GED.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2024
Xanterra Worker Arrested For Mass Shooting Threat Day After Fatal Yellowstone Shootout
A Xanterra worker was arrested Monday for allegedly threatening a mass shooting a day after a fatal shootout park rangers had with another Xanterra employee. He told rangers he just “lost my cool.”
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2024
Man Accused Of Stealing $14 Million In Gold And Silver From Father’s Wyoming Home
A Las Vegas man is accused of stealing $14 million in gold and silver from his father’s home in Smoot, Wyoming. He reportedly told investigators he didn’t steal the treasure out of greed, he was just keeping it safe.
Clair McFarlandJuly 10, 2024
In Brief: Body Found Wrapped In Tarp At Mirror Lake Investigated As Homicide
An elderly man found wrapped in tarp near Medicine Bow Peak still has not been identified. It’s being investigated as a homicide, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday.
Jen KocherJuly 09, 2024
Yellowstone Gunman Was Firing Semiautomatic Weapon Toward Dining Area
The Yellowstone contract employee killed during a Fourth of July shootout with rangers had been firing a semiautomatic weapon, authorities said Tuesday. He had been firing it toward a dining area when confronted by rangers.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2024
Gillette Brothers Arrested For Domestic Assault On Same Night
Two Gillette brothers pleaded not guilty Monday to separate but related domestic assault charges. They were arrested within an hour of each other Sunday.
Jen KocherJuly 09, 2024
Brother Of 2015 Cheyenne Coin Shop Murder Victim Says Arrest Brings Waves Of Emotion
The brother of one of two men killed during the 2015 robbery of The Coin Shop in Cheyenne says he’s gone through waves of emotion since an arrest was made two weeks ago. “I cried and cried and cried,” he said.
Leo WolfsonJuly 09, 2024
Missing Idaho Woman Found Dead In Car In Teton National Park River
An Idaho woman who disappeared June 2 while driving home from Buffalo, Wyoming, has been found dead in her car in a Teton National Park river. The car was found Sunday, and officials confirmed Tuesday Laura Lane was inside.
Jen KocherJuly 09, 2024
Rock Springs Man Arrested After Holding Person Hostage, Locking Children In Car
A Rock Springs man was arrested late Monday after allegedly holding someone hostage in his home and locking three kids in a car. Police say Cody Birdwell eventually surrendered and remains in jail on multiple charges.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2024
Couple Charged With Bear-Spraying Woman Who Drove Through Camp
Accused of blasting a woman who drove through their campsite with bear spray and firing a 9 mm pistol toward her car in the Bridger Teton National Forest, a South Dakota couple now faces up to 10 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJuly 09, 2024
Former Top Park Service Officials Say Yellowstone Rangers Likely Saved Many Lives
Former top National Park Service officials told Cowboy State Daily on Monday that the response of Yellowstone Park rangers to a gunman threatening a mass shooting on July 4 likely saved many lives.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2024
In Brief: Casper Man Shot During Fourth Of July Fight Over Fireworks
A man was shot and taken to a Casper hospital on the Fourth of July during a fight over personal fireworks. An argument between a small group of people and the man who was shot erupted at the basketball courts at a local park.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 08, 2024
Yellowstone Shooter Took Woman Hostage, Held Her At Gunpoint: Scanner Recording
The Yellowstone contract worker who injured a park ranger and was killed in a shootout on July 4 held a female hostage at gunpoint prior to his death, according to a recording of a "be-on-the lookout" notice aired on the Park County dispatch system hours before.
Clair McFarlandJuly 08, 2024
In Brief: Mirror Lake Reopened After Body Discovered July 4
The popular Mirror Lake Picnic and Fishing Site near the base of Medicine Bow Peak in Wyoming’s Snowy Range reopened Saturday morning after the discovery of a body in the area Thursday.
Jen KocherJuly 06, 2024
Yellowstone Shooter Identified, Was 28-Year-Old Contract Worker From Florida
The man who died in a shootout with Yellowstone National Park rangers on the Fourth of July was 28-year-old Samson Fussner, the Park County Coroner told Cowboy State Daily on Saturday morning.
Clair McFarlandJuly 06, 2024
No Bond For Man Accused Of Gunning Down 2 Men In 2015 Cheyenne Coin Shop Robbery
The man accused of killing two men in the 2015 robbery of The Coin Shop in downtown Cheyenne will stay in jail without bond. Douglas Smith had his initial hearing in court on Friday.
Leo WolfsonJuly 05, 2024
Casper Man Accused Of Bragging About Sex With Young Kids Pleads Not Guilty
A 25-year-old Casper man who allegedly bragged about sex acts with young kids pleaded not guilty Friday. Christopher Schmidt also is accused of inviting other men to participate in the abuse.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 05, 2024
Wyoming Woman Raffling Off Son's Pigs After He Allegedly Stabbed Her
A Campbell County woman whose teenage son allegedly stabbed her in the back while she slept is raffling off his pigs to pay down her medical costs. Winners will receive half a hog each; butchered, cut and wrapped.
Clair McFarlandJuly 04, 2024
One Person Dead After Fourth Of July Shootout In Yellowstone
One person was killed in a shootout with a Yellowstone National Park ranger Thursday morning, after an exchange of gunfire in the Canyon Village. The ranger was injured and is now receiving medical treatment.
Clair McFarlandJuly 04, 2024
More Felonies For Alleged Natrona County Drug Trafficker Named ‘Tree Killer’
A man known around Casper by the nickname “Tree Killer” who’s suspected of being a major trafficker of fentanyl and methamphetamine in central Wyoming faces three new felony charges.
Andrew RossiJuly 03, 2024
In Brief: Pilot Accidentally Turns Off Fuel Switch, Flips Plane In Albany County
A pilot accidentally turned off the fuel switch mid-flight on his plane on Wednesday morning and crash landed in rural Albany County. He suffered minor injuries.
Mark HeinzJuly 03, 2024
Suspect In 2015 Double Murder At Cheyenne Coin Shop Back In Wyoming
The man accused of killing two people in 2015 at The Coin Shop in downtown Cheyenne is back in Wyoming. Douglas Smith has been extradited from California and will have his first court hearing Friday.
Leo WolfsonJuly 03, 2024
Judge Rules Wyoming Doesn't Have To Follow Biden's Trans Bathroom Rules
A federal judge Tuesday said Wyoming doesn't have to follow a new federal rule allowing males identifying as females in school bathrooms. The judge ruled that Title IX doesn't trump free speech, privacy and safety rights of girls.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2024
Hemp Businesses Sue Gordon, State Of Wyoming Over New Cannabis Law
Ten Wyoming hemp businesses and one individual hemp seller on Monday asked a federal judge to declare Wyoming’s new law against synthetic cannabis variants unlawful by Congress’ standards, and to block it going forward.
Clair McFarlandJuly 03, 2024
Wyoming’s First Black Female Prison Warden Loses Hostile Workplace Lawsuit
A federal jury ruled Tuesday that the Wyoming Department of Corrections did not create an unlawfully hostile work environment for the state’s first Black female prison warden, who claimed corruption within her ranks.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2024
‘Life-Threatening’ Injuries For 14-Year-Old Casper Skateboarder Who Hit SUV
A 14-year-old Casper girl on a skateboard suffered “life-threatening” injuries when she collided with an SUV on Monday evening.
Dale KillingbeckJuly 02, 2024
Gillette Foursome Accused Of Pistol-Whipping Men In Retaliation For Kidnapping
After a Gillette woman told her friends an ex-boyfriend had kidnapped her Saturday, they allegedly barged into a shop, held two men at gunpoint and pistol-whipped them.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2024
Evanston Man Accused Of Rampage With Hatchet, Shovel And Machete
An Evanston man accused of terrorizing his estranged wife with a hatchet, shovel and machete will face felony charges, a judge decided Friday. He could get up to 41 years in prison if convicted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 02, 2024
Cody Police Bust Meth Lab When Woman Reports Boyfriend
Cody police say they busted a local meth lab after a woman reported her boyfriend for cooking the drug in their home. He’s in court Wednesday, and could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2024
Wyoming Split On Landmark Ruling That Trump Can’t Be Prosecuted For Official Acts
Wyoming legal opinions are split on Monday’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for official acts in office.
Clair McFarlandJuly 01, 2024
New Leads In The Disappearance Of Moorcroft, Wyoming, Man Missing Now For 5 Years
It’s been nearly five years since Chance Englebert vanished during a holiday visit to see his in-laws in Nebraska. As his family gets ready to mark the unhappy anniversary, new leads have emerged that may help shed light on the Moorcroft, Wyoming, man’s disappearance.
Jen KocherJune 30, 2024
For 37 Years, Lander Therapist Did What Nobody Else Would: Treat Sex Offenders
For 37 years, Wyoming therapist Gary Curtis counseled a segment of the population nearly nobody else would — sex offenders.
Jen KocherJune 30, 2024
Cheyenne “Voodoo Man” Arrested, But Business Owners Worried He'll Be Out Soon
Cheyenne business owners were relieved to hear that a towering man who wields a staff and pronounces voodoo curses and death threats toward them was arrested Thursday, but they suspect he won’t be in jail long.
Clair McFarlandJune 29, 2024
Man Accused Of Hitting Brother In Head With Axe At Riverton City Park
A St. Stephens man has been charged with attacking his brother with an axe at Riverton City Park. He was allegedly caught on video swinging the axe at his brother and hitting him in the head. His preliminary hearing is Tuesday.
Clair McFarlandJune 28, 2024
Oil Field Worker Charged With Child Porn Says He’s ‘Disgusted’ With Himself
A Casper-area oil field worker who faces eight felony charges for having and distributing child porn allegedly told investigators that fantasies about sex acts with children are like “an itch in my head” and that he’s “disgusted” with himself.
Leo WolfsonJune 28, 2024
Cheyenne Teachers Now Required To Notify Parents If Kids Change Their Names
Teachers in Cheyenne will now be required to notify parents when their kids want to go by other names or nicknames, including transgender names. The district took its policy a step further than state law.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2024
Hageman Blasts Supreme Court For Allowing Government To Censor Social Media
Harriet Hageman on Thursday blasted a Wednesday U.S. Supreme Court ruling that lifts a ban on government-induced censorship of social media. “The courts have failed to remedy this blatant censorship; the ultimate solution lies with Congress,” she said.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2024
Manslaughter Charge Filed In Fatal Beating Of Riverton Man Outside Church
A local man was charged with manslaughter Wednesday in the February beating death of a Riverton man outside a church. The suspect allegedly told police he “might have escalated the assault too far.”
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2024
Guns, Credit Cards Stolen From Wyoming Rancher Accused Of Starving Animals
A Shawnee, Wyoming, rancher accused of starving five confined animals alleged had guns, credit cards and other things stolen from his home, according to Converse County District Court records.
Clair McFarlandJune 27, 2024
Douglas Man Accused Of Killing 14-Year-Old In Drunken Head-On Crash
A Douglas, Wyoming, man faces charges of vehicular homicide and DUI after allegedly causing a Sunday head-on crash that killed a 14-year-old and seriously hurt a woman and a 6-year-old child, the Wyoming Highway Patrol reported Wednesday.
Clair McFarlandJune 26, 2024
Casper Teen Accused Of Holding Bobby Maher Down During Stabbing Pleads Not Guilty
The Casper 15-year-old accused of holding 14-year-old Bobby Maher down while another stabbed him to death pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Dale KillingbeckJune 26, 2024
Suspect In 2015 Cheyenne Coin Shop Double Murder Was First To Call 911
The man who Cheyenne Police arrested on Tuesday for the 2015 double homicide at The Coin Shop was the one who initially called 911 after the crime had been committed. An affidavit shows the suspect tripped himself up talking about his alleged alibi.
Leo WolfsonJune 26, 2024
Arrest Made In 2015 Double Murder At Cheyenne Coin Shop
An arrest was made Tuesday in the unsolved 2015 double-murder at The Coin Shop in downtown Cheyenne. Cheyenne Mayor Patrick Collins said the crime "was a wound on our community’s soul.”
Leo WolfsonJune 25, 2024
Park County Man Swinging Baseball Bat Shot In Leg During Road Rage Showdown
A Park County man was shot in the leg on Sunday in a wild road rage incident. The individual allegedly chased someone down and then got out of his vehicle swinging a baseball bat when he was shot.
Andrew RossiJune 25, 2024
Cheyenne Teen Avoids Attempted First-Degree Murder Charge With Plea Deal
A Cheyenne teen will avoid prosecution on an attempted first-degree murder charge after a deal was struck having him plead guilty to aggravated assault on Monday.
Leo WolfsonJune 24, 2024
Arrest Warrant Issued For Torrington Woman In Major Drug Trafficking Scheme
An arrest warrant issued Friday seeks a 25-year-old Torrington woman for her alleged involvement in a statewide fentanyl and meth trafficking ring that was busted in March.
Dale KillingbeckJune 24, 2024
Rozet Man Accused Of Stealing 168 UPS Packages Says He Did It For ‘The Rush’
A man who worked as an overnight cleaner at a Gillette UPS facility allegedly told investigators he stole at least 168 packages for “the rush” he gets by taking things. He waived a Monday hearing and elevated to felony-level court.
Greg JohnsonJune 24, 2024
Man Who Killed ‘Heavily Intoxicated’ Son Of Neighbor Acted In Self-Defense
A Cheyenne man who shot and killed the “heavily intoxicated” son of a downstairs neighbor March 30 won’t be prosecuted because he was acting in self-defense, Laramie County District Attorney Sylvia Hackl said Monday.
Clair McFarlandJune 24, 2024
Judge Orders Mental Exam For Teen Accused Of Stabbing, Killing Bobby Maher, 14
A judge Friday ordered a mental exam for a Casper teen who’s charged with first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing and killing 14-year-old Bobby Maher while he was trying to protect his girlfriend April 7.
Dale KillingbeckJune 21, 2024
Owners of Iconic Cody Restaurant Accused Of Threatening To Kill Customers
The owners of the iconic Cassie’s Steakhouse in Cody are in trouble after allegedly threatening to kill a pair of customers Wednesday and then kicking a police officer in the head.
Leo WolfsonJune 21, 2024
Kids Playing With Fire Suspected Of Burning Railroad Bridge In Rock Springs
Three juveniles playing with fire are suspected of accidentally setting a timber-frame railroad bridge on the southside of Rock Springs ablaze Wednesday. The bridge is a total loss and will be rebuilt by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Andrew RossiJune 20, 2024
Alpine, Wyoming, Man Dies In Tragic Wood Chipper Accident
An Alpine-area fire prevention worker died in a wood-chipper accident Tuesday. The man got entangled in the wood chipper and it had to be disassembled to get him out, but the accident was not survivable.
Clair McFarlandJune 20, 2024
Rawlins Man Accused Of Molesting Young Girls Could Get 680 Years In Prison
A Rawlins man accused of molesting two 5-year-old girls and a 6-year-old reportedly told police he’s sexually attracted to children and described the ways he has molested a child in the past. He could get 680 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandJune 19, 2024
Gillette Man Destroys Porsche In High-Speed Crash; 3rd DUI In 4 Years
A Gillette man has been charged with his third DUI in four years after rolling his Porsche Sunday night. He reportedly was driving into traffic and on sidewalks in downtown Gillette before rolling the vehicle more than 350 feet.
Jen KocherJune 19, 2024
Suspect In Disappearance Of Cody Woman Strikes Plea On Federal Gun Charge
The on-and-off-boyfriend and suspect in the disappearance of a Cody woman reached a plea deal Friday on a separate federal gun violation that could keep him in jail for years. The woman has been missing since Oct. 5.
Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2024
Wyoming’s Statewide Cold Case Database Close To Be Launched In Coming Months
The commander of the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation told legislators on Tuesday that a new statewide cold-case database will be launched in the coming months. There are approximately 150 cold cases in Wyoming with some dating back more than 50 years.
Leo WolfsonJune 18, 2024
Wyoming Man Was Talking To Demons While Vandalizing Building, Deputy Says
An Upton man was reportedly talking to demons when vandalizing a local business at 3 a.m. earlier this month. When deputies caught up with him, he told them, “I’m not in the mood for this.” He has been charged with felony level property destruction
Clair McFarlandJune 18, 2024
Body Cam Video: Suspect Shot, Killed By Casper Police Talked About ‘Death By Cop’
Dramatic body cam video released by the Casper Police Department on Monday shows an uncooperative suspect telling police he wasn’t going to jail and that “death by cop doesn’t sound too bad” before he was shot and killed.
Dale KillingbeckJune 17, 2024
Witnesses Say Sheridan Woman Pulled Knife After Twerking Battle Gone Wrong
The drinking buddies of a 30-year-old woman in Sheridan say she swung a knife at them after a "twerking battle" ended poorly at her home. The woman's arraignment is set for next month.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2024
Casper Teen Pleads Not Guilty In Murder Of Ex-Girlfriend
A 16-year-old Casper boy on Monday pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the shooting death of his 17-year-old ex-girlfriend, Lenae Brown. Eavan Castaner is being charged as an adult.
Dale KillingbeckJune 17, 2024
Searchers Find Kayak And Paddle, But Not Missing Kayaker On Jackson Lake
A search continues Monday for a Minnesota kayaker who went missing on Jackson Lake on Saturday. His kayak and paddle have been found, but the man is still missing.
Clair McFarlandJune 17, 2024
Wyoming Family May Never Get Justice For Abused 14-Month-Old Son
A Wyoming couple has been waiting for justice after their 14-month-old toddler was allegedly beaten at a Hot Springs County ranch. Their wait may never come to an end because of the inherent challenges of proving a crime even happened.
Jen KocherJune 16, 2024
Wyoming Delegation Says Supreme Court Was Right To Shoot Down Bump Stock Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling to shoot down a Trump administration ban on bump stocks for semiautomatic weapons on Friday is being hailed by Wyoming’s U.S. senators as a victory for the Second Amendment.
Clair McFarlandJune 14, 2024
Arapahoe Woman Guilty Of Torturing Teen Son, Keeping Him In Crawl Space
After a four-day trial, a jury found Kandace Sitting Eagle of Arapahoe, Wyoming, guilty Thursday of torturing her teen son, amid evidence she helped hide him from authorities in a crawl space. Her husband has also pleaded guilty to the abuse.
Clair McFarlandJune 14, 2024
Florida Man Who Swiped Fire Truck Accused Of Wrecking Stolen Semi In Wyoming
A man once found "buck-ass naked" in a Florida firehouse before swiping a fire department's truck is now facing felony charges for allegedly stealing a semitruck from Colorado, driving it through Wyoming and then wrecking it.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2024
Men Who Claimed Forced Labor, Trafficking By Wyoming Youth Ranch Agree To Settlement
Two men who were former residents at the Triangle Cross Ranch for troubled teens in Park County and who sued over claims of forced labor and trafficking will drop their lawsuit over the allegations after reaching a settlement.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2024
Campbell County Teen Says He Was ‘Too Angry To Sleep’ When He Stabbed Mom
A 17-year-old Campbell County teen was charged as an adult on Wednesday with attempted first-degree murder for allegedly stabbing his mother with a 13.5-inch knife earlier in the week. He told police, he was “too angry to sleep.”
Jen KocherJune 13, 2024
Federal Court Dismisses Complaint Over Wyoming Transgender Sorority Member
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday dismissed an appeal of University of Wyoming sorority members who sued over the induction of a transgender member. The court said the women have the option of filing a new complaint, however.
Clair McFarlandJune 13, 2024
Life Without Parole For Kemmerer Babysitter Who Beat 5-Year-Old To Death
Cheri Marler, the Kemmerer babysitter who beat a 5-year-old girl to death, was sentenced to life in prison without parole on Wednesday during an emotionally charged sentencing hearing.
Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2024
After Year On The Run, Man Accused Of Breaking Laramie Woman’s Face Is Caught
After punching a Laramie woman in the face so hard he broke her jaw “from ear to ear,” a 60-year-old drifter has been on the run for almost a year — until Tuesday, when he was caught in Colorado.
Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2024
80-Year-Old Montana Man Gets Two Months In Jail For Killing Grizzly, Evidence Tampering
An 80-year-old Montana man was told Tuesday he’ll serve two months in jail and pay a $10,000 fine after covering up the killing of a grizzly bear on his property. The sentence was stiffer than both the defense and prosecution had agreed to prior.
Clair McFarlandJune 12, 2024
Family, Friends Desperate To Find Woman Who Disappeared In Wyoming
The friends and family of an Idaho woman are desperate to find her after she suddenly disappeared while driving through Wyoming following an extended visit in Buffalo. Her digital trail ends near Grand Teton National Park.
Jen KocherJune 12, 2024
Casper Man Shot While Allegedly Trying To Get Officer’s Gun Identified
The Natrona County Coroner’s Office has identified the man shot and killed by police Thursday while allegedly trying to get an officer’s gun as Trae Spurlock, 26. But the office denies releasing other details of the shooting.
Greg Johnson & Dale KillingbeckJune 11, 2024
Badly Burned Wyoming Oil Field Workers Sue Over Back-To-Back Explosions
A piece of equipment allegedly exploded in the face of a Wyoming oil field worker in mid-December. Six weeks later the equipment allegedly exploded again, seriously burning a second worker. Both filed suit against Anschutz Exploration Corp on Monday.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2024
Wyoming Gun Dealers: Don’t Lie Like Hunter Biden Because You’ll Get Caught
After President Biden’s son Hunter was convicted Tuesday of lying on the background check form for a firearms purchase, some Wyoming gun dealers say they’re not surprised, because that’s a stupid move and nearly impossible to get away with.
Mark HeinzJune 11, 2024
Judge Balks At 5-7 Years For Man Who Trafficked Porn Involving Infants And Dogs
A Wyoming judge said Tuesday she has doubts about whether she’ll accept a plea agreement of 5-7 years in prison for a man accused of trafficking pornography involving infants, toddlers and dogs. The judge said she found the plea agreement to be lenient.
Clair McFarlandJune 11, 2024
Woman Claims Carjackers Crashed Her SUV Off Highway; Cops Say She Was Drunk
The Park County Sheriff’s Office says the claim by a woman that carjackers hit her over the head, stole her SUV then crashed it into a gully off Highway 14-16-20 is bogus. They say she was drunk and wrecked it herself.
Andrew RossiJune 11, 2024
Two Colorado Men Busted Trying To Smuggle Lamborghinis Through Wyoming
A pair of men from Colorado who were busted after trying to drive stolen Lamborghinis through Wyoming had their cases elevated to felony court. The cars, which can drive more than 200 MPH, are worth more than $550,000.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2024
‘He’s Not Sorry,’ Family Of Slain Woman Says As Accused Killer Pleads Not Guilty
Family of Utahnna Bearcomesout looked on Monday as her accused killer pleaded not guilty, then told them he’s sorry while leaving the courtroom in shackles. “He’s not sorry,” the alleged victim’s sister said.
Clair McFarlandJune 10, 2024
Utahnna's Story: She Became Withdrawn And Isolated, Then Was Shot To Death
Utahnna Bearcomesout's family and friends remember her as a fun person and a caring mother. They also remember how she cut herself off from others during her marriage to the man now accused of killing her.
Clair McFarlandJune 09, 2024
Missing Wyoming Woman’s Car Found Abandoned 1,100 Miles Away, But No Clue About Her
More than seven months after a Wheatland woman went missing, her car has been found abandoned 1,100 miles away in California, but there’s no clue where she might be.
Jen KocherJune 09, 2024
Greybull Man To Be Wyoming’s First Manslaughter Conviction For Fentanyl-Laced Drugs
If a judge accepts his guilty plea, a Greybull man will be the first person in Wyoming convicted of selling drugs that led to the death of another person.
Jen KocherJune 07, 2024
Suspect Killed In Casper Officer-Involved Shooting
A suspect was shot and killed by Casper police Thursday night when he allegedly tried to get control of an officer’s firearm during an attempted arrest, the Casper Police Department reports.
Dale KillingbeckJune 07, 2024
Wyoming Duck Hunter Faces Felony Charge For Unintentional Gunshot Death
Accused of pointing his gun in an unsafe direction while inspecting it, accidentally firing and killing his hunting partner, a 20-year-old Laramie man is now facing a manslaughter charge in a felony-level court in Torrington, Wyoming.
Clair McFarlandJune 06, 2024
Rural Wyoming Couple Says Trigger-Happy Neighbor Terrorizing Everyone
An Evansville, Wyoming, man who likes to shoot his guns is allegedly terrorizing his neighbors, who told Natrona County commissioners this week that includes bullets ricocheting across their properties and hitting the siding of homes.
Dale KillingbeckJune 06, 2024
Mom Of Accused Child Torturer Charged With Feeding Boy Laxatives To Halt FBI Interview
The mother of a Wyoming woman accused of torturing her 13-year-old son has been charged with witness tampering for allegedly feeding one young boy laxatives to halt his FBI interview.
Clair McFarlandJune 06, 2024
Thermopolis Cop Who Triggered Fatal Shootout Cleared By Town, Back On Full Duty
The town of Thermopolis announced Tuesday that it disagrees with a special prosecutor's opinion that Sgt. Mike Mascorro illegally entered a suspect's home to trigger a fatal shootout in April 2023, and has reinstated Mascorro back to full duty.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2024
PETA Sues Rock Springs Airport For Denying Its Cow Ad
PETA filed a lawsuit Tuesday to force the Rock Springs airport to display an advertisement equating leather luggage to animal cruelty. The ad, in part, states “cruelty doesn’t fly — choose vegan.”
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2024
Body Found In Colorado 24 Years Ago Identified As Rock Springs Man
After 24 years and multiple DNA tests, Colorado authorities have identified a man found dead near Greeley on Valentine’s Day 2000 as Rock Springs resident Christopher Scott Case.
Clair McFarlandJune 05, 2024
Alleged Drunk Driver Severs Gas Line Plowing Through Cody Gun Range
A suspected drunk driver plowed through an indoor gun range in Cody on Saturday night and severed a gas line in the process. The owner said it was a miracle the building didn't blow up.
Andrew RossiJune 04, 2024
Scammer Tried Convincing Sheridan Woman He Kidnapped Her Daughter
A man with a Wyoming area code called a Sheridan woman last week and told her that her daughter had been forced into a vehicle and was being held for ransom. It turned out to be a scam but officers warn these types of scams are becoming more prevalent.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2024
Missouri Man Steals Endangered Ferret Pelt From Wyoming Museum
The pelt of an endangered Wyoming black-footed ferret is back where it belongs in the Meeteetse Museums after a visitor stole it on an “impulse.” Despite the odds of finding it, it was recovered intact and the thief arrested, prosecuted and punished.
Andrew RossiJune 03, 2024
Black Lab Ingests Meth At Gillette Park, Wags Tail "1,000 Miles Per Hour"
It was a close call but Tator, a black Labrador retriever, got into some meth last week at a park in Gillette. He survived but his owners said he was wired out of his mind with his tail wagging "1,000 miles per hour."
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2024
Wyoming Coal Bust Means Budget Cuts Coming For State, Campbell County
Campbell County, located in the heart of the coal-rich Powder River Basin, plans to trim spending by more than $25 million in anticipation of a prolonged coal bust. The State of Wyoming could be short at least $50 million.
Pat MaioJune 03, 2024
‘I Just Ran Someone Over’: Casper Man After Parking Truck On ‘Old Drinking Buddy’
A 55-year-old Casper man is accused of deliberately running over an "old drinking buddy" after they argued at a local bar. He told those in the bar that, "I just ran someone over," according to court documents made available Monday.
Dale KillingbeckJune 03, 2024
Cheyenne Police Officers Found Liable For Illegally Breaking Into Man’s Home
Three former Cheyenne police officers are civilly liable for breaking into a man's home illegally after grabbing his pregnant wife, a U.S. District Court judge ruled. A jury will decide how much money the officers each owe the victim for their unlawful entry.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2024
Man Who Said He Slit Mom’s Throat Because Of Attic People To Have Sanity Checked
A Wyoming judge paused a Gillette man's attempted murder case Friday and ordered a sanity test, after the man reportedly told police he slit his mother’s throat when distant attic people threatened him.
Clair McFarlandJune 03, 2024
Daughter Of Wyoming Tribal Murder Victim Says Justice Goes Beyond A Conviction
The daughter of a Wind River Reservation man murdered in Lander, Wyoming, in April questions what it means to get justice for her father and others. One thing she does know: It’s goes far beyond a court conviction.
Jen KocherJune 02, 2024
Cheyenne Shop Owners Fed Up With 6-Foot-4 Shaman’s Death Threats And Harassment
Downtown Cheyenne business owners say they’re fed up with an aggressive 6-foot-4-inch man who calls himself “Wisdom," brandishes a staff like a shaman, claims he practices Voodoo, and then threatens to kill them or burn their shops down.
Clair McFarlandMay 31, 2024
Cheyenne Man Accused Of Shooting Up Estranged Wife’s House, Kidnapping Her
The estranged husband of a Cheyenne woman was elevated to felony-level court Thursday on charges he allegedly shot up her house, dragged her out to his car and then kidnapped her. He faces 55 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandMay 31, 2024
Five Years After Wyoming Man Disappeared, New Push On To Find Him
It’s been five years since Casper resident Jose Alfredo Mendoza disappeared and although the trail is cold, local investigators are making a new push to find him.
Jen KocherMay 31, 2024
Family Of Slain Casper Man Applauds After Killer Sentenced To 70+ Years
The family of Ryan Schroeder erupted in applause on Thursday as a judge sentenced Justin Armando Marquez to at least 70 years in prison for the stabbing death of Schroeder. Schroeder's daughter said the family has been left with "overwhelming grief."
Dale KillingbeckMay 30, 2024
Former Gillette Cop Accused Of Triple Homicide Had Justified Shooting In Wyoming
Former Gillette cop Jay Ostrem, who has been accused of a rage-fueled triple homicide in South Dakota earlier this week, was involved in a lethal use-of-force incident 23 years ago in Gillette. The judge in a resulting lawsuit noted Ostrem's shooting was justified.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2024
Prosecutor From Matthew Shepard Case Says 'Gay Panic' Defense Shouldn't Be Allowed
Minnesota has become the 19th state to ban the “gay panic” defense in criminal cases. Wyoming’s laws don’t discuss this defense strategy at all but the lead prosecutor on the Matthew Shepard case said it shouldn't be allowed anywhere.
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2024
Wyoming Professor Tells Supreme Court Not To Let Mexico Sue Gun Makers
A Wyoming professor wants the U.S. Supreme Court to kill Mexico’s multibillion-dollar lawsuit as an illegal attempt to bankrupt America’s firearms industry, an effort a Cowboy State gun advocate calls “more of a stunt … than a serious lawsuit.”
Clair McFarlandMay 30, 2024
Former Wyoming Police Sergeant Charged With Triple Homicide In South Dakota
Jay Ostrem, a former Gillette, Wyoming, police sergeant, has been charged with triple homicide for allegedly killing three people Monday in South Dakota.
Clair McFarlandMay 29, 2024
Gillette Man Says Distant Attic People Triggered Him To Slit Mother’s Throat
A Gillette man told a sheriff’s investigator he was defending himself from people in a "distant attic" when he lifted his mother’s chin and slit her throat. He’s been charged with attempted murder, and she’s recovering in a hospital.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2024
Cheyenne Mom Who Swung Toddler 'Like A Baseball Bat' Gets 10-15 Years In Prison
A 21-year-old Cheyenne mother who swung her 2-year-old son "like a baseball bat" apologized Tuesday, saying that “he didn’t deserve this” as she was sentenced to 10-15 years in prison.
Clair McFarlandMay 28, 2024
Family Desperate To Find Missing Cheyenne Woman Who May Have Had Mental Emergency
The family of 38-year-old Shanna Brubaker, who’s been missing from her Cheyenne home since April 29 and may be experiencing a mental health emergency, is desperate to find her. The family is asking for the public's help.
Jen KocherMay 26, 2024
Accused Wyoming Child Torturer Doesn’t Want Kids To Testify At Her Trial
A Wyoming woman accused to torturing her 13-year-old son, whom police reportedly found in a crawl space with broken bones and starving, petitioned the court this week to not let any of her other five children testify against her.
Clair McFarlandMay 24, 2024
BRIEF: Feds Don’t Want To Return Wyoming Man's Illegal Machine Gun
After taking an illegal 9 mm Glock converted to a machine gun — and other weapons — from a Worland, Wyoming, man last year, the federal government asked a judge Friday to let it keep the guns.
Clair McFarlandMay 24, 2024