Cheyenne Assault Victim Dies; PD Investigating Death as Homicide

A 19-year-old Cheyenne man is now being investigated for homicide following the death of his significant other.

According to Cheyenne Police Department spokeswoman Alex Farkas, officers were dispatched to a 911 hang-up call at a camper near the 4700 block of Cactus Way at about 12:19 a.m. on Thursday, June 15.

Officers arrived to find 19-year-old Cheyenne woman Phoenix Cerenil unresponsive with apparent signs of strangulation.

Get our free mobile app

According to a booking sheet, police determined that Cerenil's significant other, Charles Rees Karn, had pushed her, causing her to strike her head on a table near the bed and lose consciousness.

Cerenil was taken by ambulance to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, where she died Saturday afternoon.

Karn was arrested and charged Friday with aggravated assault, strangulation of a household member, and domestic battery, but could now face a homicide charge.

RELATED: Cheyenne Man Arrested for Seriously Injuring 'Significant Other'

He's currently being held in the Laramie County Detention Center on a $25,000 cash bond awaiting a June 23 preliminary hearing.

25 True Crime Locations: What Do They Look Like Today?

Below, find out where 25 of the most infamous crimes in history took place — and what the locations are used for today. (If they've been left standing.)