by Casper, WY – A 16-year-old teen has been sentenced to life in prison for fatally stabbing a 14-year-old boy outside a Casper mall last year. Jarreth Plunkett was convicted in connection with the death of Bobby Maher, who was defending his girlfriend during the confrontation.
Natrona County District Judge Catherine E. Wilking handed down the life sentence on Friday and added a 10-year term for an aggravated assault charge. Under Wyoming law, minors sentenced to life are eligible for parole after serving 25 years.
Courtroom Statements
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Wilking addressed Plunkett directly, condemning his actions:
“Stabbing someone to death is the most cowardly thing I can imagine,” she said.
“They could have duked it out at the mall. That’s how we used to do it back in my day.”
Prosecutors described Plunkett and his co-defendant, Dominique Antonio Richard Harris, as “wild animals” during the attack, comparing their behavior to “a pack of wolves hunting down their prey.”
The Crime
Plunkett pleaded guilty in May 2025 to first-degree murder and aggravated assault and battery. Harris, who held Maher down during the stabbing, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder, though his sentencing is pending.
The confrontation began earlier in a local park, two weeks before the fatal incident. On the day of the murder, Harris and Plunkett reportedly stole knives from a Best Buy in the Eastridge Mall while playing hide-and-seek, then followed Maher’s girlfriend, which led to the deadly altercation outside DICK’s Sporting Goods.
A large group of bystanders gathered as the verbal altercation escalated. Harris grabbed Maher around the waist and slammed him to the ground, while Plunkett stabbed him twice, according to police affidavits and cellphone video evidence.
Footage played in court showed Maher attempting to stand after being stabbed, taking a few steps toward the mall before collapsing and succumbing to his injuries.
Defendants’ Background and Prior Confrontations
Prior to the fatal encounter, the defendants had multiple confrontations with Maher. Two days before the murder, Plunkett reportedly asked a friend of Maher’s if he “wanted to pay Bobby’s blood debt.”
Harris admitted to holding Maher down but claimed it was “to make sure the fight was over.” Prosecutors, however, emphasized the premeditated and violent nature of the attack.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing
- Jarreth Plunkett: Life in prison for first-degree murder; 10 years for aggravated assault. Eligible for parole after 25 years.
- Dominique Antonio Richard Harris: Pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder; sentencing pending.
The ruling drew attention to the severity of youth violence and the role of peer dynamics in escalating conflicts. District Attorney Dan Itzen said the case highlighted how violent behavior can quickly spiral out of control, especially in public spaces.
Community Impact
The deadly stabbing outside a Casper mall shocked the local community, drawing attention to teen violence and public safety at shopping centers. Officials continue to encourage parents and guardians to discuss conflict resolution with minors and to remain vigilant about weapons accessibility.
What do you think about this case and the life sentence for a teen offender? Share your thoughts in the comments below and follow for updates on Harris’s upcoming sentencing.
