In a startling act of violence that jarred the community, 14-year-old Bobby Maher was fatally stabbed at the Eastridge Mall in Casper, Wyoming after stepping in to defend his girlfriend from harassment by two older teenagers. The event occurred on a seemingly peaceful Sunday afternoon, April 7, 2024, rapidly transforming the mall into a scene of tragedy.
According to a criminal complaint, Maher, with a friend, rushed to the mall after receiving a distress call from his girlfriend, who reported that she and a friend were being harassed and followed around the complex by two individuals, later identified as Jarreth Plunkett and Dominique Harris. Upon his arrival, Maher attempted to escort his girlfriend and her friend to safety while consistently urging the two 15-year-olds to leave them alone.
Security footage purportedly captured Maher retreating from the assailants, who were donned in hooded balaclava-style masks, as Plunkett repeatedly provoked him to engage in a fight. The video later shows Harris lifting Maher by the waist and forcefully throwing him to the ground, followed by multiple punches to his face. Shortly thereafter, Plunkett is seen on camera stabbing Maher with a kitchen knife, which the pair had just stolen from a Target store.
The local police swiftly apprehended both teenagers after they fled the scene, discarding their masks and the bloody weapon in a nearby parking lot. During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to the act, stating a previous petty conflict with Maher had fueled their aggression.
A friend of the victim informed the police that the two suspects, known at Dean Middle School as “JJ and Dom,” were schoolmates of Maher. The friend also mentioned the previous incident involving Maher and the suspects at a local park before the deadly assault.
The legal proceedings against the suspects have commenced, with both facing serious charges. Plunkett faces charges of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault and battery, and theft. Dominique Harris was charged with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, aggravated assault and battery, and misdemeanor theft. Both suspects were tried as adults, and their bonds were set at $500,000 and $450,000 during their initial court appearance on Monday.
A close friend of the Maher family initiated a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe. The campaign page says, “Bobby Maher is survived by his father, Robert, his mother, Mary, and his three brothers. He was a remarkable son, brother, friend, and teammate. Bobby cherished his family deeply and excelled academically and in all aspects of his life. His enthusiasm for basketball was profound. We are devastated and forever changed by his loss.” The campaign has raised over $47,000.
The incident’s aftermath has seen the community rally together in grief and solidarity. A vigil held outside the Eastridge Mall drew hundreds of residents, all united in mourning and in a collective call for measures to prevent such tragedies in the future. “We must ensure our malls and public spaces are safe for everyone, especially our children,” stated a local official during the vigil.