Sometimes, things happen that hit close to home or remind us to cherish our loved ones a little more. In a heartbreaking tale that recently occurred in Wyoming, a young boy lost his life protecting his girlfriend.
Police Respond to Emergency Call
On Sunday, April 7, 2024, around 1:40 pm, police in Casper, Wyoming responded to a call. They’d been informed of an unconscious boy outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet in the Eastridge Mall. The adults at the scene began administering first aid and CPR until the police arrived. Police Sargeant Michael Paschke took over performing CPR upon arrival. The unconscious boy’s name was Robert Dean Maher, affectionately called Bobby. He was just 14 years old when he lost his life defending his girlfriend and her friend.
Witness Accounts
Maher and another friend went to the mall because his girlfriend and her friend were being, “followed by two males wearing hooded balaclava-style masks.” When Maher and his friend approached the girls, Maher repeatedly told the two suspects to leave. However, a physical fight ensued outside. One suspect used a stolen kitchen knife from Target to stab Bobby in the stomach twice.
Maher’s friend’s identities have been kept anonymous, but witnesses recounted to police that the suspects were called JJ and Dom, noting Dom threw Bobby to the ground and JJ stabbed him. After arriving on the scene, the police conducted an investigation, obtaining a video showing the events.
Arresting the Suspects
Police arrested 15-year-old Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett from Evansville, Wyoming, and 15-year-old Dominique Antonio Richard Harris from Casper, Wyoming. They were picked up for questioning somewhere in the 500 block of Long Lane and charged as adults with 2 felony counts of conspiracy to commit murder and aggravated assault in addition to misdemeanor theft. Harris’ bond was set at $450,000, while Plunkett’s was set at $500,000. Both face the possibility of fines up to $10,000 and life in prison but a minimum of 6 months in jail and a $750 fine.
“Dominique is seen holding (Maher) while Jarreth jumped in. Dominique appeared to strike (Maher) in the face, while Jarreth was observed swinging the knife in a downward motion, stabbing (Maher) twice.” According to a police report filed in Casper Circuit Court regarding the footage.
Purportedly, Maher told Plunkett to put the knife away as the fight wouldn’t be “fair.” However, Plunkett responded, “I don’t fight fair.” After the fight, the suspects “were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot.” Shared Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson.
“Jarreth also told (Maher) to swing on him several times; however, (Maher) clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backwards motion away from Jarreth,” the police report states. Adding that video evidence showed that Maher went toward the door. “However, due to numerous other juveniles gathering around, it appeared as if he was unable to get back inside the mall.”
Schoolmates Or Enemies
Maher’s friend told police the two suspects in custody attended the Dean Middle School along with Maher and his friends. Allegedly, a previous altercation had occurred when the suspects encountered Bobby at an Evansville park and he called them “freaks” after they were seen going into the porta-potty together.
Unsurprisingly, Bobby’s family is shattered. “Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !” His dad wrote in a Facebook post. “We are so devastated nothing can bring you back we love you Bobby my neeners my jr you will never be forgotten! I am dying inside and out right now and will be forever.”
The family has launched a GoFundMe page which has gotten $54,000 of its $50,000 goal. “He has left behind his dad Robert, his mom Mary, and his 3 brothers. He was an amazing son, brother, friend, and teammate! Bobby loved his family and was not only an amazing kid in school but in general. He had such an amazing passion for playing basketball.” The page says. “We are heartbroken and will never be the same without him. Any help will be greatly appreciated by his family.”
This heartbreaking story is a reminder to be a little kinder to one another and remind people they’re loved at every opportunity.
Read More: Brave Young Man Steps in for Great-Great-Grandmother and It Cost Him His Life
Sources
- “Report: Teen Was Protecting Girlfriend When Stabbed To Death At Casper Mall.” Cowboy State Daily. Dale Killingbeck. April 9, 2024.
- “Heroic Wyoming boy, 14, is stabbed to death at the mall protecting his young girlfriend and her friend from balaclava-clad creeps who were following them.” Daily Mail Germania Rodriguez Poleo April 10, 2024.
