CASPER, WY – An 18-year-old facing charges related to the fatal shooting of his friend during a night of video games and marijuana pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter on Tuesday.
Luka Wade Rasmussen’s plea follows an incident that left 16-year-old Riley Jacob Sears dead, leading to Rasmussen’s arrest and a hefty $500,000 bond, which the court refused to lower despite arguments from his defense.
Rasmussen’s attorney highlighted his client’s character, supported by testimonials from his coworkers at a local Wendy’s. Nonetheless, the court maintained the bond, pointing to the gravity of the charges and further noting that one of the firearms found at the scene is suspected to have been stolen last summer.
The tragic event took place on February 12 in a home shared by another teenager, where Sears was a guest. The three teens were engaged in gaming and smoking when, according to authorities, Rasmussen produced a handgun that subsequently discharged, leading to Sears’ death.
Rasmussen initially claimed the gun accidentally fired while resting on his leg. However, a witness in the room, another teen, accused Rasmussen of intentionally pointing the weapon at Sears.
Prosecutors reinforced this account with photographic evidence showing Rasmussen brandishing the gun on different occasions, including just days before the shooting.
Further complicating Rasmussen’s case are statements from law enforcement indicating that upon discovering the gun, the homeowner had instructed him to dispose of it. After the incident, Rasmussen allegedly attempted to hide the gun behind a shed, where it was later discovered by police.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including how the teens had access to the firearms and the exact sequence of events leading to Sears’ death. Legal proceedings are set to continue as both the defense and prosecution prepare for a potential trial amidst the community’s condolences for the lives affected by the tragic event.