Over the weekend, two masked perpetrators ambushed and stabbed to death a Wyoming child defending his girlfriend just outside a retail mall in front of a large crowd, according to investigators.
According to the Casper Police Department, Bobby Maher, 14, went to Casper’s Eastridge Mall on April 7 with a friend to protect his girlfriend and her companion who were under surveillance.
Maher fell unconscious outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet at 1:41 p.m. Adults on the scene when the first responders came attempted to save his life with CPR and first aid, but their efforts were futile.
In connection with the boy’s death, two teenagers face criminal charges. The charges against Jarreth Joseflee Sebastian Plunkett, 15, include first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault and battery, and theft. Dominique Antonio Richard Harris, 15, faces accusations of conspiring to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and battery, and petty theft.
A family friend launched a GoFundMe for the Mahers.
“He has left behind his father, Robert, his mother, Mary, and his three brothers,” the campaign states. “He was an incredible son, brother, friend, and teammate!” Bobby loved his family and was not only an outstanding student, but also a wonderful individual. He had an incredible passion for basketball. We’re heartbroken and will never be the same without him.”
Middle schoolers
Everyone involved in the terrible occurrence went to Dean Morgan Middle School in Casper, the state’s second-largest city.
Witnesses reported “an altercation that just occurred” involving Maher and two others known by the nicknames “JJ” and “Dom,” according to an arrest complaint Cowboy State Daily acquired. Authorities reported that Maher fatally stabbed the victim twice in the chest during the altercation.
When Maher and his friend arrived at the mall, they discovered the two 15-year-olds wandering in front of the girls and sought to move them aside, according to Maher’s companion. The four buddies made it out of the mall via an exit near the restaurant. All the while, Maher “kept telling JJ and Dom to leave,” according to the affidavit.
“Once all the individuals were outside the exterior entrance doors to the mall, a physical altercation ensued,” according to the complaint.
Maher’s friend went on to tell police that Harris “slammed” the victim “to the ground” before Plunkett “walked up and stabbed” him.
Maher’s companion allegedly told police that “everything happened so quickly” and that he didn’t notice the knife until it was too late, but described the murder weapon as a “kitchen-style knife” without a sheath.
Playing games
According to the police, Harris and Plunkett acknowledged stealing kitchen knives from a Target at the mall before the altercation and stabbing.
According to a copy of the affidavit that local radio station K2 acquired, Harris and Plunkett had been playing hide-and-seek in a Best Buy earlier that day. When asked about the masks, Harris allegedly informed police that he and Plunkett wore them to “cause trouble.”
Following the game, they apparently resolved to steal the knives. They later made contact with Maher’s girlfriend and allegedly proceeded to follow her. When the two watched Maher leave Dick’s Sporting Goods, mayhem ensued.
The verbal altercation allegedly began outside the sporting goods store, and a big crowd immediately gathered to witness.
According to law enforcement, the security film clearly reveals the events preceding the violence as well as the violence itself.
“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,” according to the affidavit. “However, because numerous other juveniles were gathering around, it appeared as if he was unable to get back inside the mall.”
Plunkett began attacking Maher in a variety of ways, according to the police, who cite numerous witnesses, including the defendants. Throughout the onslaught, Maher never resisted. Harris allegedly informed police that the victim “never threw a punch, slapped, or pushed anyone.”
An unfair fight
The affidavit alleges that the assailants eventually flanked the boy. The video then shows Harris seizing Maher “around the waist, lifting him off the ground, and slamming him down with great force on his left side.”
According to authorities, the fatal blows occurred immediately afterward.
The affidavit continues, “Dominique appears to be holding (Maher), while Jarreth jumped in.” “Dominique appeared to strike Maher in the face, while Jarreth is observed swinging the knife in a downward motion, stabbing Maher twice.”
As Maher attempted to return inside the mall with the assistance of a friend for the final time, he slumped on the pavement near a doorway.
The two defendants fled westward and were allegedly admitted to the police. As they left, they allegedly threw their ski masks, a vape pen, and the knife near a mall door on Wyoming Boulevard. Then, an elderly man allowed them to borrow his cell phone to call Plunkett’s parents.
Plunkett apparently said in his police interview that he had no intention of starting a fight, but Harris did. At the same time, Plunkett supposedly acknowledged responsibility for how things turned out.
“Put the knife away; this isn’t fair,” Maher urged his alleged murderer, according to the affidavit Plunkett told police.
Plunkett responded, “I don’t fight fair.”
Both defendants face adult charges. They could face life in jail if convicted as charged.
