All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Fremont County, WY) – The jury trials for 18-year-old Reece Blackburn and 19-year-old Dale Eagle have been set for November 16, following the duo’s “not guilty” pleas at their arraignment hearings in June.
Blackburn and Eagle were arrested and charged following a shooting incident that occurred on March 3 in Riverton, which resulted in the death of 18-year-old Charlie Washington.
According to the original case documents, Blackburn and Eagle were in a Riverton residence with Washington, taking pictures of themselves while posing with a gun that was “stolen during a car-hopping.” While doing so, the duo pointed the gun, which initially was not loaded, at Washington and made comments about shooting him. Washington was watching videos on his tablet at the time.
Blackburn later loaded the magazine of the firearm and once again pointed it at Washington, but the last time he did this, the gun fired when he pulled the trigger due to the chambered round, striking Washington in the head. The case affidavit stated that Blackburn then “threw the firearm down and began jumping up and down waving his hands,” and made statements that he “did not mean to do that,” before he and Eagle ultimately “ran from the residence.” You can read the full breakdown here.
Blackburn was ultimately charged with manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, and possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent. Eagle was charged with accessory before the fact to involuntary manslaughter, as well as possession, manufacture, or disposition of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent.
Both felony manslaughter and felony accessory before the fact to involuntary manslaughter carry a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment. Felony aggravated assault and battery carries a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment. Felony possession of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent and felony possession, manufacture, or disposition of a deadly weapon with unlawful intent both carry a maximum penalty of 5 years’ imprisonment and a $1,000 fine.
As stated above, the jury trials for both parties have been scheduled for November 16. At this time, no plea agreements have been filed.
County 10 will provide updates as the cases progress.