$1M Cash Bond Set for Cheyenne Transient Charged in Stabbing

A 25-year-old Cheyenne transient is being held on a $1 million cash bond after allegedly stabbing a person during a robbery.

The Arrest

According to a booking sheet, police arrested William C. Autery at the Luxury Diner at 1401 W. Lincolnway at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6.

It's alleged that Autery, in the course of committing a robbery, stabbed the victim in the back with a knife.

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Autery was booked into the Laramie County Detention Center and subsequently charged with attempted second-degree murder, a felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison; and aggravated robbery - intentionally inflicts or attempts to inflict serious bodily injury, a felony punishable by five to 25 years in prison.

Initial Court Appearance

On Friday, Jan. 9, Autery was seen in Laramie County Circuit Court in front of Sean C. Chambers on the charges.

Autery, through an American Sign Language interpreter, told Chambers he couldn't afford an attorney.

"I'm going to ask that you fill out an application," Chambers told Autery. "I will review it and appoint you a public defender."

Chambers set Autery's preliminary hearing for Friday, Jan. 16, at 9:45 a.m., then asked for the state's bond recommendation.

"The state has concerns due to the nature of this crime," the state said. "I would also note that I have a warrant for arrest from the State of Alabama indicating the charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and possession of a controlled substance - marijuana."

The state said it appeared Autery didn't have any ties to the community, but Autery interrupted, saying, "I do have friends and family here. I do have ties, but I just haven't shared that with anyone."

"In any event, the booking sheet lists Mr. Autery as a transient," the state said. "And the day before these alleged charges took place, Mr. Autery had contact with law enforcement. The conversation with law enforcement is that he was under a bridge, he was startled by a uniformed police officer, Mr. Autery drew a knife, and the law enforcement had to draw his sidearm until eventually the situation was defused."

"While we don't have a lot of information about Mr. Autery, it is very clear that he is a danger to the community," the state added. "In light of the fact that he's facing a life in jail, the state would recommend $1 million bond."

Bond Set at $1M Cash

"I'm going to set your bond at $1 million," Chambers told Autery. "Your next court appearance is Jan. 16. You will see your public defender between now and then."

Please remember that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.