A memorial walk for Anderson “Andy” Antelope, Sr. happened in Riverton last night, September 21st, on the one year anniversary of his death. Andy was shot and killed in front of Walmart by a Riverton Police Officer after reportedly attacking the Officer with a knife following an altercation.
Members of Andy’s family, his friends, and community members met at Walmart last night and walked to City Park calling for justice, transparency, and the public inquest that was supposed to happen according to the Fremont County Coroner’s Office policy.
The inquest, which involves presenting information to a jury in order to determine facts, such as how the deceased died, was postponed indefinitely in December 2019 due to the Fremont County Coroner’s Office not being able to obtain necessary information for the investigation, according to a statement released by Coroner Mark Stratmoen.
At the end of November 2019, the need for an inquest was questioned in the Determinations and Conclusions document released by the Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The document concluded that no charges would be brought against the Riverton Police Department Officer because the Officer was defending bystanders and his own life. Fremont County Prosecuting Attorney Patrick LeBrun also said the Coroner’s inquest “can serve no purpose” since the legal determination about whether charges should be brought against the officer had already been determined.
Anderson’s manner of death was certified as “undetermined” by the Coroner’s Office and the case closed. During last night’s walk, attendees held signs calling for justice, the public inquest, and transparency.
