A Wyoming boy was stabbed to death as he tried to protect his girlfriend from a pair of teens at the mall, according to police.
Robert Dean Maher, 14, died after he was stabbed twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife at Eastridge Mall in Casper on Sunday.
Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett, both 15, were arrested the same day near the mall.
They are charged as adults with felonious conspiracy to commit murder, felonious aggravated assault and battery and a misdemeanor theft, as reported by Cowboy State Daily.
Police respond to the scene after receiving a call about an unconscious boy outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet in the mall.
Robert Dean Maher, 14, died after he was stabbed twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife at Eastridge Mall in Casper on Sunday
Maher’s friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him right outside the mall
An affidavit says Maher was stabbed twice during ‘an altercation that just occurred.’
Witnesses told police there was an altercation involving people called ‘JJ’ and Dom.’
The alleged assailants were wearing hooded balaclava-style masks.
A teen friend of Maher who accompanied him to the mall said they were there because Maher’s girlfriend had called saying two males were following her and a friend around the mall.
‘(Maher) then told (his girlfriend) that they were going to the mall to come and keep the girls safe,’ police recorded.
After Maher located the girls at the mall, he reportedly ‘kept telling JJ and Dom to leave,’ per the police report.
The group then moved to the area outside the mall doors, where a physical fight ensued.
Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: ‘Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !’
A teen friend of Maher who accompanied him to the mall said they were there because Maher’s girlfriend had called saying two males were following her and a friend around the mall
Maher’s friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him.
Maher’s heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: ‘Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !
‘We are so devastated nothing can bring you back we love you Bobby my neeners my jr you will never be forgotten! I am dying inside and out right now and will be forever.’
The friend said he did not know the attackers’ last names, but that they all went to Dean Middle School together.
According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them ‘freaks.’
The pair also told police they had stolen the kitchen knives from Target before the deathly altercation.
Casper police has obtained video that reportedly shows Plunkett chasing Maher and yelling at him outside the mall entrance.
The affidavit states: ‘Jarreth also told (Maher) to swing on him several times; however, (Maher) clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backwards motion away from Jarreth.’
The inside area of the Eastridge Mall in Casper is pictured above
Maher appeared to be trying to get inside the mall, but was unable to ‘due to numerous other juveniles gathering around.’
In a police interview, Plunkett reportedly said Maher told him to ‘put the knife away, this isn’t fair.’
Plunkett claimed that Jarreth replied: ‘I don’t fight fair.’
‘They were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot while witnesses attempted first aid,’ said Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson of the suspects.
Maher’s family has launched a GoFundMe that has raised over $33,000 for funeral expenses.
‘He has left behind his dad Robert, his mom Mary and his 3 brothers. He was an amazing son, brother, friend and teammate!’ the page reads.
‘Bobby loved his family and was not only an amazing kid in school but in general. He had such an amazing passion for playing basketball.
‘We are heartbroken and will never be the same without him. Any help will be greatly appreciated by his family.’