CHEYENNE, Wyo. — Today, the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has released additional information regarding the apprehension of Tyler Hill, a man involved in an Aug. 23 shooting in Burns.
At approximately 1:23 p.m. Wednesday, deputies were dispatched to 4572 Teal Lane in Burns in response to a report of a person who had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies discovered the victim, identified as Ashley Bartel, 43, deceased due to an apparent gunshot wound, according to a press release.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had fled the scene in a red Mazda car. Immediate efforts were initiated to locate and apprehend the suspect. Law enforcement personnel swiftly mobilized to secure the area and initiate a search for the suspect vehicle, the release states.
Shortly after the incident took place, Pine Bluffs Police Chief Austin Smith spotted a red car matching the suspect vehicle’s description on Interstate 80 near the town of Pine Bluffs. Smith, in coordination with the LCSO, initiated and concluded the stop at County Road 159 and 210.
Upon bringing the vehicle to a stop, law enforcement identified the driver as 25-year-old Hill, who was the sole occupant of the car. Per the release, Hill was taken into custody at the scene without further incident.
Subsequently, law enforcement personnel conducted a thorough investigation of the scene, spanning from the Antelope Truck Stop to Exit 1 on I-80 in Nebraska. This meticulous process ensured the collection and preservation of crucial evidence related to the incident, the release states.
Hill was charged with second-degree murder today in Laramie County Circuit Court. His bond was set at $250,000 cash and his preliminary hearing will be held on Sept. 1 at 9 a.m.
The LCSO expresses its gratitude to Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigations Investigators and Crime Lab team for their assistance processing the crime scene. Officers also thanked Smith and all agencies involved for their swift and effective collaboration leading to the apprehension of the suspect.
Notifications have been made to Bartel’s next of kin, the release states. The officer’s thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Bartel during this difficult time.
The LCSO continues to work diligently on this ongoing investigation. Further details will be released as they become available. Anyone with information pertinent to this case is encouraged to contact the office.
Burns is a town in Laramie County 29 miles east of Cheyenne. Pine Bluffs is another town within the county, 18 miles east of Burns.
