All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Riverton, WY) – 37-year-old Jody VanFleet faces felony charges for both the March 10th stabbing in Riverton as well as domestic battery.
He appeared before Judge Wesley Roberts of the 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Riverton on March 17th for his initial appearance.
The following three counts were bound over to District Court for arraignment: aggravated assault and battery – habitual criminal; aggravated assault and battery; and domestic battery – 3rd or subsequent – habitual criminal with a penalty enhancement.
Just after 12:00 pm on the 10th, the Riverton Police Department and EMS were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Federal for reports of a male laying in the road.
Upon arrival, the man was found “profusely bleeding from the chest area,” according to court documents. In addition to the chest injury, cuts were also found on his wrist, neck, and leg.
The victim reportedly identified VanFleet’s girlfriend and explained to law enforcement that it was her boyfriend who had stabbed him. Another person in the area shared VanFleet was seen earlier in the day with a folding knife making statements about “stabbing them all up.”
Around 2:45 pm, law enforcement was dispatched to the 300 block of Main Street for reports of an intoxicated couple arguing. This couple was VanFleet and his girlfriend.
According to the responding officer’s observation, VanFleet had “what appeared to be blood on his hands.” A folding knife was found on his person “which appeared to have blood on it as well.” Suspected blood was also observed on both of their clothing.
Both were arrested for public intoxication because they were intoxicated to the point of not being able to take care of their “own wellbeing and safety.”
They were interviewed by the Riverton Police Department that evening and again the following day.
They both said they were in the “Scooby Van” located in the back lot on the 500 block of N. Federal. An unknown person matching the description of the victim, came into the van as well and drank with them.
According to VanFleet’s account of events, the victim made disparaging comments toward his girlfriend. He pulled out a knife and allegedly threatened to stab him. The victim reportedly antagonized him to do it and he did.
VanFleet and his girlfriend then left the area, according to court documents.
He also admitted to biting his girlfriend after the incident which left “tooth-sized holes in her lower and upper lip area.”
Approximately a month ago, he allegedly bit her 6 times and they had turned into “large scars.” On the same day of the stabbing, he also “struck her in the left eye.”
The Fremont County Prosecuting Attorneys Office is seeking charges that include enhanced penalties due to previous convictions of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, attempted corporal injury to a household member, and domestic violence battery.
County 10 will share an update following VanFleet’s District Court arraignment.