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REVEALED: Balaclava-wearing creeps who stabbed hero teen, 14, to death at mall while he protected his girlfriend were collecting a ‘blood debt’ – as his heartbroken father pays emotional tribute

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REVEALED: Balaclava-wearing creeps who stabbed hero teen, 14, to death at mall while he protected his girlfriend were collecting a ‘blood debt’ – as his heartbroken father pays emotional tribute


Cellphone footage reportedly reportedly exists that depicts a Wyoming teen being fatally stabbed after defending his girlfriend from alleged attackers at a local mall.

Robert Dean Maher, 14, was captured by a witness’ smart phone being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in their report that the footage shows the late high schooler ‘clearly did not want to fight,’ the Oil City News reported.

Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, both 15, allegedly stabbed Maher twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife at Eastridge Mall in Casper on Sunday.

Plunkett is charged with first-degree murder and is alleged to have asked one of Maher’s friends if they wanted to pay his ‘blood debt’ before the killing.

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Following his son’s death, Maher’s father, Robert, exclusively told the DailyMail.com, ‘We want his name and legacy to live on,’ adding that ‘he truly was an angel.’ 

‘Numerous families have reached out with stories of him protecting smaller kids at school from bullies we are devastated.’ 

Cellphone footage reportedly reportedly exists that depicts a Wyoming teen Bobby Maher being fatally stabbed after defending his girlfriend from the attackers at a local mall

Part of that reaching out has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting ‘Blue Hearts for Bobby.’ 

Many posted photos of bright blue lights on at their homes as a tribute, with blue having been Bobby’s favorite color.

In addition to Plunkett’s first-degree murder charge, he and Harris are being charged as adults with felonious conspiracy to commit murder, felonious aggravated assault and battery and a misdemeanor theft, as reported by Cowboy State Daily. 

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Plunkett faces a potential life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted on the murder charge. 

Police responded to the scene after receiving a call about an unconscious boy outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet in the mall.

An affidavit says Maher was stabbed twice during ‘an altercation that just occurred.’

Witnesses told police the alleged assailants, who they said were called JJ and Dom, were wearing hooded balaclava-style masks. 

Robert Dean Maher, 14, (who went by Bobby) was captured by a witness' smart phone before being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in their report that the footage shows the late high schooler 'clearly did not want to fight'

Robert Dean Maher, 14, (who went by Bobby) was captured by a witness’ smart phone before being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in their report that the footage shows the late high schooler ‘clearly did not want to fight’ 

Part of that reaching out has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting 'Blue Hearts for Bobby'

Part of that reaching out has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting ‘Blue Hearts for Bobby’

Many posted photos of bright blue lights on at their homes as a tribute, with blue having been Bobby's favorite color

Many posted photos of bright blue lights on at their homes as a tribute, with blue having been Bobby’s favorite color

A teen friend of Maher who accompanied him to the mall said they were there because Maher’s girlfriend had called saying two males were following her and a friend around the mall.

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‘(Maher) then told (his girlfriend) that they were going to the mall to come and keep the girls safe,’ police recorded.

After Maher located the girls at the mall, he reportedly ‘kept telling JJ and Dom to leave,’ per the police report.

The group then moved to the area outside the mall doors, where a physical fight ensued.

Maher’s friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him. 

In a police interview, Plunkett reportedly said Maher told him to ‘put the knife away, this isn’t fair.’

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Plunkett claimed that Jarreth replied: ‘I don’t fight fair.’ 

Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: ‘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 ! 

Maher's heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: '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 !'

Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: ‘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 !’

Maher is pictured with a female friend in a tribute shared on Facebook after his death

Maher is pictured with a female friend in a tribute shared on Facebook after his death 

Maher's friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him right outside the mall

Maher’s friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him right outside the mall

‘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 friend said he did not know the attackers’ last names, but that they all went to Dean Middle School together.

According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them ‘freaks’ after he saw them go into a portal potty together.

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Plunkett then allegedly asked one of Maher’s friends if they wanted to pay Maher’s ‘blood debt.’ 

The pair also told police they had stolen the kitchen knives from Target before the deathly altercation. 

Casper police has obtained video that reportedly shows Plunkett chasing Maher and yelling at him outside the mall entrance. 

The affidavit states: ‘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.’

Maher appeared to be trying to get inside the mall, but was unable to ‘due to numerous other juveniles gathering around.’

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According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them 'freaks' after he saw them go into a portal potty together

According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them ‘freaks’ after he saw them go into a portal potty together

The inside area of the Eastridge Mall in Casper is pictured above

The inside area of the Eastridge Mall in Casper is pictured above

Flowers are left at memorials for Robert Dean Maher in Casper, Wyoming

Flowers are left at memorials for Robert Dean Maher in Casper, Wyoming

‘They were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot while witnesses attempted first aid,’ said Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson of the suspects. 

Maher’s family has launched a GoFundMe that has raised over $37,000 for funeral expenses. 

‘He has left behind his dad Robert, his mom Mary and his 3 brothers. He was an amazing son, brother, friend and teammate!’ the page reads.

‘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. 

‘We are heartbroken and will never be the same without him. Any help will be greatly appreciated by his family.’

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Wyoming Coaches Pick the Best of 1A & 2A Boys Basketball in 2026

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Wyoming Coaches Pick the Best of 1A & 2A Boys Basketball in 2026


The top boys’ basketball players in Wyoming for Classes 1A and 2A were chosen for the 2026 high school season. The Wyoming Coaches Association has unveiled the all-state awards for this year, as voted on by the head coaches in the two classifications, respectively. The Wyoming Coaches Association only recognizes one team for all-state, and only these players receive an award certificate from the WCA. WyoPreps only lists all-state players as defined by the WCA.

WCA 1A-2A BOYS BASKETBALL ALL-STATE SELECTIONS IN 2026

Each class selected 14 players for all-state, reflecting a broad recognition of talent across Wyoming. Notably, congratulations go to Hulett’s Kyle Smith, Brady Cook from Lingle-Fort Laramie, and Carsten Freeburg from Pine Bluffs, who earned all-state honors for the third straight year. In addition, eight more players achieved all-state status for the second time in their prep careers.

Class 1A

Paul McNiven – Burlington

Bitner Philpott – Burlington

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Ammon Hatch – Cokeville (All-State in 2025)

Hudson Himmerich – Cokeville

Kyle Smith – Hulett (All-State 2024 & 2025)

Anthony Arnusch – Lingle-Ft. Laramie

Brady Cook – Lingle-Ft. Laramie (All-State 2024 & 2025)

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Tymber Cozzens – Little Snake River (All-State in 2025)

Corbin Matthews – Lusk

Max Potas – Meeteetse (All-State in 2024)

Jace Westring – Saratoga

Hazen Williams – Saratoga

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TJ Moats – Southeast (All-State in 2024)

Nic Schiller – Upton

Read More Boys Basketball News from WyoPreps

WyoPreps 1A-2A State Basketball Scoreboard 2026

WyoPreps 3A-4A Regional Basketball Scoreboard 2026

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WyoPreps Coaches and Media Final Basketball Poll 2026

1A-2A Boys Basketball Regional Scoreboard 2026

WyoPreps Boys Basketball Week 11 Scores 2026

WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-25-26

WyoPreps Boys Basketball Week 10 Scores 2026

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WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-18-26

WyoPreps Boys Basketball Week 9 Scores 2026

WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-11-26

WyoPreps Boys Basketball Week 8 Scores 2026

WyoPreps Coaches and Media Basketball Polls 2-4-26

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Class 2A

Caleb Adsit – Big Horn

Chase Garber – Big Horn

Carsten Freeburg – Pine Bluffs (All-State 2024 & 2025)

Mason Moss – Rocky Mountain

Oakley Hicks – Shoshoni

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Kade Mills – Sundance

Cody Bomengen – Thermopolis (All-State in 2025)

Zak Hastie – Thermopolis

Ellis Webber – Thermopolis (All-State in 2025)

Joseph Kimbrell – Wright

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Mitchell Strohschein – Wright (All-State in 2025)

Adriano Brown – Wyoming Indian

Heeyei’Niitou Monroe-Black – Wyoming Indian (All-State in 2025)

Cordell Spoonhunter – Wyoming Indian

The 2026 state champions were the Saratoga Panthers in Class 1A. They beat Lingle-Fort Laramie, 50-45, in the championship game. The 2A winners were the Thermopolis Bobcats, who repeated as champions, after a 45-38 victory over Wyoming Indian in the title game.

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Lusk versus Rock River high school basketball 2026

Game action between the Tigers and Longhorns

Gallery Credit: Courtesy: Lisa Shaw





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New laws establish a statewide literacy program

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New laws establish a statewide literacy program


A pair of bills signed into law last week aim to build out a more comprehensive system of literacy education across Wyoming’s public schools.

One mandates evidence-based practices and requires regular screenings for dyslexia, while the other enables the Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) to hire a dedicated literacy professional to oversee statewide compliance.

Gov. Mark Gordon’s signing of both bills on Friday was the latest accomplishment of an ongoing push for improved literacy standards. That push has been spearheaded by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder.

“Wyoming is not going to let a single child fall through the cracks,” Degenfelder said during a public bill signing last week. “We are not going to fall behind when it comes to ensuring that our children can read at grade level.”

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The primary bill, Senate File 59, establishes a statewide K-12 program for teaching students to read that is built on “evidence based language and literacy instruction, assessment, intervention and professional development that supports educators, engages families and promotes literacy proficiency for all Wyoming students.”

The bill defines evidence-based strategies as those that conform to the science of reading, a term that will be defined and updated by Degenfelder’s office. Nationwide, it generally means putting academic research into practice in classrooms. SF 59 specifically prohibits the exclusive use of “three-cueing” — a strategy once widely employed to teach reading but which education experts now say is outdated and less effective than other strategies.

It also requires annual dyslexia screeners for students below the third grade, and testing for reading difficulties for all students.

The screeners are used to identify the severity of reading difficulties in order to direct “tiered” support that offers the most intensive interventions to the students most in need, while still providing “evidence based” language instruction to all students.

Each school district must formulate an individualized reading plan “for each student identified as having reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes.”

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Districts must now report to the state annually regarding their literacy-related work. Any district where 60% or more of the students are struggling will be required to implement “summer literacy camps or extended supports, including after school support and tutoring.”

The bill also requires literacy related professional development for teachers and specialists “appropriate to their role and level of responsibility” related to literacy education.

SF 59 was backed by dyslexia advocates and literacy specialists.

Senate File 14, the other literacy bill signed into law Friday, appropriates $120,000 annually for the next two years for a full-time position at WDE “to assist school districts in implementing a reading assessment and intervention program and language and literacy programs.”

Both bills go into effect July 1.

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Wyoming Announces 2026 Football Schedule – SweetwaterNOW

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Wyoming Announces 2026 Football Schedule – SweetwaterNOW


Wyoming Announces 2026 Football Schedule





Samuel “Tote” Harris. Photo from gowyo.com

LARAMIE — The University of Wyoming and the Mountain West Conference announced the Cowboys’ 2026 football schedule Monday, a slate that opens with the Border War and concludes with back-to-back home games in Laramie.

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Wyoming opens the season Sept. 5 on the road against Colorado State in the 118th edition of the Border War. The Cowboys then host Northern Colorado on Sept. 12 in the home opener before traveling to Central Michigan on Sept. 19.

The Cowboys begin Mountain West play Sept. 26 at home against Hawaii in a matchup for the Paniolo Trophy. Wyoming then faces back-to-back road games at North Dakota State on Oct. 3 and San Jose State on Oct. 10.

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Wyoming returns to War Memorial Stadium on Oct. 17 to host conference newcomer Northern Illinois before facing Air Force at home on Oct. 24. The Cowboys will have an open week on Oct. 31.

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The Cowboys open November with road games at UNLV on Nov. 7 and at UTEP on Nov. 14, marking Wyoming’s first meeting with the Miners as members of the Mountain West. Wyoming closes conference play by hosting New Mexico on Nov. 21 and wraps up the regular season with a nonconference game against UConn on Nov. 28 in Laramie.

Each Mountain West team will play four home and four road conference games during the 13-week season, which will conclude with the Mountain West Football Championship Game featuring the two teams with the highest conference winning percentages. The championship game date will be announced later.

With the conference schedule set, Mountain West television partners CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and The CW will begin selecting broadcast games, which could include moving some contests to non-Saturday dates. Network assignments and kickoff times will be announced at a later date.

Season ticket renewals for the 2026 Wyoming football season are now available. Fans can renew their tickets online by visiting gowyo.com/tickets and logging into their account.

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