On April 7th, 2021, tragedy struck at the Eastridge Mall in Casper, Wyoming, when 17-year-old Bobby Maher was fatally stabbed while defending his girlfriend from alleged attackers. Cellphone footage captured the brutal attack, which took place at approximately 1:40 pm. The suspects, 15-year-olds Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, were later arrested and charged with first-degree murder, among other charges.
According to police, Harris and Plunkett were seeking revenge after Maher allegedly called them 'freaks' a week prior. On the day of the incident, the suspects were seen following Maher's girlfriend around the mall, prompting her to call Maher for help. He immediately rushed to her defense, unaware of the danger that awaited him.
Police have not yet released the cellphone footage of the attack, which allegedly shows Maher telling the suspects that he did not want to fight, only to be met with a chilling response of "I don't play fair." Plunkett is accused of then asking one of Maher's friends if they wanted to pay his "blood debt" before the deadly altercation.
Following his death, Maher's father, Robert, spoke to the media, expressing his devastation and calling his son an "angel." He also shared that Bobby had a history of standing up for others, having protected smaller kids from bullies at school. The community has rallied together to honor Bobby's memory, starting a Facebook group to organize a candlelight vigil and using blue lights, his favorite color, as a tribute.
Along with the first-degree murder charge, both Harris and Plunkett are being charged as adults with felonious conspiracy to commit murder and felonious aggravated assault and battery. Plunkett also faces a misdemeanor theft charge. If convicted of first-degree murder, he could potentially face a life sentence or even the death penalty.
On the day of the stabbing, police received a call about an unconscious boy outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet at the mall. Witnesses told police that the suspects, who were known to them as JJ and Dom, were wearing hooded masks. Maher's friend, who was with him at the mall, stated that they were there because Maher's girlfriend had called them, saying that two boys were following her and her friend. The group then moved outside the mall doors, where a physical altercation took place.
During the fight, one of the suspects, believed to be Plunkett, is said to have slammed Maher to the ground before the other, allegedly Harris, stabbed him twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife. Plunkett claimed that Maher had begged him to "put the knife away, this isn't fair," to which he responded, "I don't fight fair." The suspects also admitted to stealing the knives from a nearby Target store before the attack.
Police have obtained video footage of Plunkett chasing Maher and yelling at him outside the mall entrance. According to the affidavit, the video shows Maher continuously moving backward and attempting to get inside the mall before being surrounded by a group of laughing and pointing juveniles. Witnesses attempted to provide first aid, but it was too late.
The community has been deeply affected by the loss of Bobby Maher, with many expressing their condolences and sharing memories of his kind and courageous nature. Maher's family has launched a GoFundMe page to cover funeral expenses, which has received an outpouring of support from the community, raising over $37,000. The investigation into the stabbing continues, and the suspects are currently in custody awaiting trial.