Cell phone footage reportedly shows a Wyoming teenager being fatally stabbed after defending his girlfriend from alleged attackers at a local shopping center.
Robert Dean Maher, 14, was captured on a witness’ smartphone being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in its report that footage shows the late high school student “clearly did not want to fight.” , Oil City News reported.
Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, both 15, allegedly stabbed Maher twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife at Eastridge Mall in Casper on Sunday.
Plunkett is charged with first-degree murder and allegedly asked one of Maher’s friends if they wanted to pay his “blood debt” before the murder.
Following his son’s death, Maher’s father Robert exclusively told DailyMail.com: “We want his name and legacy to live on,” adding that he “truly was an angel.”
“Numerous families have reached out with stories of him protecting younger children at school from bullies. We are devastated.”
Cell phone footage reportedly exists showing a Wyoming teenager, Bobby Maher, being fatally stabbed after defending his girlfriend from attackers at a local shopping center.
Part of that outreach has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting ‘Blue Hearts for Bobby.’
Many posted photos of bright blue lights on in their homes as a tribute, with blue being Bobby’s favorite color.
In addition to Plunkett’s first-degree murder charge, he and Harris are being charged as adults with criminal conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault and battery, and misdemeanor robbery, as reported by Cowboy State Diary.
Plunkett faces a possible life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted of the murder charge.
Police responded to the scene after receiving a call about an unconscious child outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet in the mall.
An affidavit says Maher was stabbed twice during “an altercation that just occurred.”
Witnesses told police that the alleged attackers, whom they said were named JJ and Dom, were wearing balaclava-style hooded masks.
Robert Dean Maher, 14, (who called himself Bobby) was captured on a witness’s smartphone before being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in its report that footage shows the deceased high school student “clearly didn’t want to fight.” ‘
Part of that outreach has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting ‘Blue Hearts for Bobby.’
Many posted photos of bright blue lights on in their homes as a tribute, with blue being Bobby’s favorite color.
A teenage friend of Maher’s who accompanied him to the mall said they were there because Maher’s girlfriend had called saying two men were following her and a friend around the mall.
“(Maher) then told (his girlfriend) that they were going to the mall to keep the girls safe,” police recorded.
After Maher located the girls at the mall, he allegedly “continued to tell JJ and Dom to leave,” according to the police report.
The group then moved to the area outside the mall doors, where a physical fight occurred.
Maher’s friend told police that Dom threw Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him.
In a police interview, Plunkett allegedly said Maher told him to “put the knife away, this isn’t fair.”
Plunkett claimed that Jarreth responded, “I don’t fight fair.”
Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: ‘Bobby, rest in peace baby, I miss you so much. Dad was very proud of you and he loved you very much!
Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: “Bobby, rest in peace my baby, I miss you so much. Dad was so proud of you and loved you so much!”
Maher is pictured with a friend in a tribute shared on Facebook after her death.
Maher’s friend told police that Dom threw Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him right outside the mall.
‘We are so devastated nothing can bring you back, we love you Bobby, my neeners, my son, you will never be forgotten!’ I’m dying inside and out right now and I will be forever.’
The friend said he didn’t know the attackers’ last names, but that they all went to Dean Middle School together.
According to police interviews, there was a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them “freaks” after seeing them enter a urinal together.
Plunkett then allegedly asked one of Maher’s friends if they wanted to pay Maher’s “blood debt.”
The couple also told police they had stolen the kitchen knives from Target before the deadly altercation.
Casper police obtained video that allegedly shows Plunkett chasing Maher and yelling at him outside the mall entrance.
The affidavit says: ‘Jarreth also told (Maher) to hit him several times; However, (Maher) clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backward motion away from Jarreth.’
Maher appeared to be attempting to enter the mall, but was unable to “due to many other juveniles gathering around.”
According to police interviews, there was a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them “freaks” after seeing them enter a urinal together.
The interior area of Eastridge Mall in Casper is shown above
Flowers are left at the Robert Dean Maher memorials in Casper, Wyoming
“They were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot while witnesses attempted first aid,” Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson said of the suspects.
Maher’s family has launched a GoFundMe that has raised more than $37,000 for funeral expenses.
‘He has left behind his father Robert, his mother Mary and his 3 brothers. He was an amazing son, brother, friend and teammate!’ says the page.
‘Bobby loved his family and was not only a wonderful child at school but in general. He had an incredible passion for playing basketball.
‘We are heartbroken and will never be the same without him. Any help will be greatly appreciated by his family.’