Prosecutor Declines Death Penalty: In Fort Bridger Murder Case

Prosecutor Declines Death Penalty: The Uinta County Attorney’s Office has announced it will not pursue the death penalty in the case of Skyler Gray, a 36-year-old Lyman man accused of first-degree murder in the August 31 shooting of Jeremy Jaques, 48, near the Fort Bridger post office.

Death Penalty Not Pursued

In a November 13 filing, Uinta County Attorney Loretta Howieson-Kallas stated, “The state will not seek the death penalty in the event of a conviction herein.” If convicted, Gray now faces the possibility of life in prison.

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Details of the Crime

Court documents and testimony describe a violent confrontation between Gray and Jaques. Gray allegedly drove to Fort Bridger on the evening of August 31, confronted Jaques over an alleged debt, and fired six shots at him. After Jaques fell to the ground, Gray reportedly fired four more shots before fleeing the scene.

Law enforcement officers later recovered 10 shell casings at the site, where medical personnel pronounced Jaques deceased.

Wyoming’s Death Penalty Process

Though Wyoming remains a death-penalty state, the process for imposing the sentence is stringent. Following a first-degree murder conviction, a second jury trial would be required to determine whether the death penalty is warranted. The jury must confirm at least one aggravating circumstance—such as extreme cruelty or a murder-for-hire scheme—before the death penalty can be considered.

Co-Defendant Faces Separate Charges

Gray’s wife, Shadawn Oehler, 34, is charged with accessory after the fact to murder. Prosecutors allege she assisted Gray by disposing of the firearm used in the shooting, throwing it out of their vehicle’s window as they left the scene.

Oehler is scheduled for a court hearing on November 27 in Evanston Circuit Court.

Conclusion

Skyler Gray’s trial is set for March 18, and the case continues to attract attention as legal proceedings unfold. While the death penalty is off the table, the outcome of this case could result in a life sentence for Gray.

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