News/Commentary

Two teens charged in the stabbing death of 14-year-old hero who was protecting his girlfriend

April 11, 2024 | | Print Article

Two 15-year-olds have been identified and charged in the stabbing death of a 14-year-old Wyoming boy who had responded to a call for help from his girlfriend.

The tragic incident occurred at the Eastridge Mall in Casper, Wyoming where Robert Dean Maher died after being stabbed twice with a stolen knife by the teens wearing balaclava masks.

“Dominique Antonio Richard Harris, born in 2008, and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, born in 2009, are both charged with felonious conspiracy to commit murder, felonious aggravated assault and battery and a misdemeanor theft, according to court records,” the Casper Star-Tribune reported.

Plunkett is facing first-degree murder charges and both suspects will be tried as adults.

According to the affidavits from the Circuit Court of Natrona County:

On April 7th, around 1:40 pm, officers responded to the west side of Eastridge Mall, near the Hibachi grill, regarding an unconscious individual. Emergency dispatch had received several calls that a juvenile, later to be identified as Maher Jr., was unconscious and that CPR had been initiated. Several adults who were on scene at the time began rendering first aid to Maher Jr., as Casper Police and Fire personnel arrived, Sgt. Paschke immediately began providing CPR to Maher Jr., who had suffered two stab wounds.

 

“A police interview with one of Maher’s friends, who accompanied him to the mall, alleged that Maher received a call from his girlfriend saying that she was being followed by two guys — Harris and Plunkett — and Maher went to the mall to keep her safe,” the Casper Star-Tribune reported. “At the mall, Maher found his girlfriend, and Maher, Harris, Plunkett and a group that had formed ended up in the parking lot of the mall.”

Video surveillance and interviews confirmed that the suspects had “shoplifted several items from Target, which included Red Bull, Sour Straw Candy, and two knives,” according to the affidavit as reported by KGWN.

“Both Plunkett, and Harris’ statements regarding the physical altercation with Maher Jr., connected with the video footage that was obtained and reviewed by law enforcement. Harris admitted that he slammed Maher Jr. to the ground, and that Plunkett had stabbed Maher Jr.. Plunkett stated that he did in fact stab Maher Jr., after Harris slammed him to the ground,” the outlet added.

“Both have admitted to stealing the knives prior to the confrontation with Maher Jr., and both knew that there would be an altercation, before stealing the items,” according to the affidavit. “Plunkett and Harris also admitted during the interviewing process that throughout the entirety of the altercation, Maher Jr. made no effort to strike anyone, even after Plunkett had punched him in the face. Maher Jr. was described by the two, as walking backwards, away from Plunket, and telling him to put down the knife.”

Frieda Powers
Latest posts by Frieda Powers (see all)

Comment

We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.

Latest Articles