The girlfriend of Wyoming teenager Bobby Maher, who was stabbed to death while protecting her from attackers, broke down in tears at a memorial service. Maher, 14, was killed after confronting two masked 15-year-old boys who were harassing his middle school sweetheart at the Eastridge Mall in Casper. At the vigil, the girlfriend described Maher as the bravest boy and the best boyfriend, expressing grief over the loss and the future they had planned together. Maher had gone to the mall after receiving a call from his girlfriend about the alleged assailants following her and a friend.
The incident stemmed from a weeks-long feud between Maher and the two suspects, Dominique Harris and Jarreth Plunkett. During spring break, Maher had insulted the pair after they went together to a port-a-potty, leading Plunkett to ask Maher’s friend if he wanted to fight to repay a “blood debt.” Harris and Plunkett then went to a Target in the mall to steal kitchen knives with the intention of fighting Maher. Maher tried to get his girlfriend to leave the mall and asked the suspects to leave before the attack, which was captured on security cameras.
Security camera footage showed Harris assaulting Maher before Plunkett stepped in and fatally stabbed him while he was down. The teenagers then fled the scene, discarding the knife and masks in the parking lot. Plunkett and Harris were charged as adults with conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, battery, and theft. Plunkett faces an additional charge of first-degree murder for the fatal stabbing. The tragic event shocked the community and left Maher’s girlfriend and family in deep sorrow.
During the vigil, Maher’s girlfriend expressed her sadness at the loss of a promising young life and the heartbreaking circumstances of his death. She emphasized Maher’s bravery in trying to protect her from harm and the love he had for his family. The girlfriend mentioned the plans they had made for the future and the pain of having to say goodbye to him so early. The community gathered to mourn the loss of Maher and condemn the violent actions of the two 15-year-olds responsible for his death.
The memorial service highlighted the impact of senseless violence on families and communities and the need for measures to prevent such tragic incidents in the future. The vigil served as a tribute to Maher’s courage and selflessness in protecting his loved ones, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him. Maher’s girlfriend’s emotional tribute captured the depth of loss felt by those who knew and loved him, and the shockwaves of his untimely death. The tragic event serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing issues related to youth violence and promoting a culture of peace and respect in communities.
