GILLETTE, Wyo. — In a fatal confrontation on the night of August 4, a Campbell County Sheriff’s deputy was cleared of any wrongdoing after returning fire against a local man who shot at his patrol car. The county’s chief prosecutor found the deputy acted in self-defense when he fatally shot the assailant, who had emerged from his home with a shotgun and opened fire.
The determination follows an intense investigation by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation into the exchange of gunfire that resulted in the death of 55-year-old Christopher Morales of Wright, Wyoming. Campbell County Attorney Nathan Henkes, who reviewed the investigation, deemed the deputy’s use of deadly force necessary under the circumstances to protect himself and others present.
According to official reports, Deputy Samuel Boyles responded to a 911 call concerning a domestic disturbance in a remote part of the county. Upon his arrival at the scene, Morales, who had been exhibiting erratic and violent behavior prior to the deputy’s arrival, confronted Boyles with a shotgun, firing at close range as Boyles was still in his vehicle.
Sheriff Scott Matheny, in remarks later on, described the incident as a tragic necessity given the immediate threat faced by the deputy. Matheny highlighted the perilous nature of law enforcement and expressed his relief and prayers for both the deputy involved and the family of Morales.
Morales’ violent actions appeared to stem from a domestic assault complaint made by his wife, which escalated upon the deputies’ intervention. Forensic analysis found that Morales had fired at Boyles from approximately 25 feet away, blasting the patrol vehicle’s windshield before Boyles could fully park and secure his vehicle.
Reacting swiftly, Boyles took cover and returned fire, discharging a total of five rounds during the engagement which lasted a mere seven seconds. His return fire incapacitated Morales, who sustained two shots to the chest, one to the leg, and one to his thumb, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Wyoming law supports the use of deadly force in self-defense if it is considered reasonably necessary to protect oneself and others from imminent harm. In this case, the analysis concluded Boyles, who was not the initial aggressor and lawfully present, acted within his legal right, ending the altercation without any obligation to retreat.
In a community still reeling from the tragedy, Morales is remembered distinctly. Raised in California and having moved to Wyoming early in his marriage, he engaged in various jobs including running a restaurant. Described as affable and sociable, he enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family, including their horses and chickens.
This incident brings forward the complexities and quick decision-making required in law enforcement, highlighting the challenges officers face daily. Protected under law and trained for such critical and dangerous encounters, deputies like Boyles often have to make split-second decisions that are scrutinized under immense legal and moral scopes.
As the community and Morales’ family mourn the loss, the incident underscores ongoing issues around the use of force and the protocols that law enforcement officials follow in such dire situations. The outcome of this tragic event leaves a town in mourning and a law enforcement community relieved yet reflective on the sobering duties they are sworn to undertake.