August 20, 2024 |
Photo – Melvin Bagley mugshot – Courtesy CCSO
A Rawlins man has been sentenced to up to 80 years in prison for shooting his relatives. The incident occurred less than one year ago, during a dispute over money.
Earlier this month, 74-year-old Melvin Bagley was convicted on two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder for shooting his nephew and his nephew’s wife last September. Bagley has been sentenced to between 40 and 80 years behind bars.
On September 3rd, 2023, Wyoming Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies were called to milepost 22 on US 287, north of Rawlins.
According to Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Timothy Howell’s written affidavit, two people reported that they had been shot and were being chased by the perpetrator. Trooper Howell wrote that the victims said the suspect was ramming them with his truck and firing a handgun at them as they attempted to escape in their vehicle. The victims were later identified as Bagley’s nephew, Marvin Bagley Junior, and his nephew’s wife, Stephanida Bagley.
Wyoming Highway Patrol Trooper Howell reported that Stephanida Bagley said she and Marvin Bagley Junior were feeding animals on their ranch, located on Highway 287 between Rawlins and Bairoil. Stephanida said the elder Bagley drove up to them and suddenly started yelling, “Stop stealing my money.”
After telling Bagley that they hadn’t stolen his money, Bagley opened fire on their vehicle with a 9mm handgun. Court documents indicate that the perpetrator shot Marvin Bagley Junior in the head and left hand. Stephanida Bagley was shot in the left shoulder and chest.
At the time of the shooting, Bagley was living with his nephew and his nephew’s wife because he was allegedly suffering from dementia. Due to health concerns, Bagley is said to have given his relatives Power of Attorney over his finances.
Marvin Bagley Junior was shot twice in the right eyebrow, with at least one bullet exiting behind his right ear. The victim was also shot in the left hand by his knuckles.
Stephanida Bagley was shot twice, once in the left shoulder above the collarbone and once in the right chest. The bullet that struck her collarbone exited through her back. The second round hit the victim’s right breast and exited through her right side.
Judge Dawnessa Snyder presided over the case in Carbon County District Court. The defendant was represented by Wyoming State Assistant Public Defender Sergio Lemus.
On August 5th, Bagley was convicted of two counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder. Each count carries between a 20- and 40-year sentence.
In addition to $275 in clerical fees, the Defendant was ordered to pay over $300,000 for Marvin Bagley Junior and Stephanida Bagley’s medical expenses.
Bagley was credited with 338 days served in Carbon County Jail while awaiting trial. Following his sentencing, Bagley was remanded to the Wyoming Department of Corrections to serve out the remainder of his confinement.
