June Shooting That Left Pine Bluffs Man Dead Ruled Self-Defense

A June shooting that left a 52-year-old Pine Bluffs man dead has been ruled self-defense, the Laramie County Sheriff's Office announced Wednesday.

RELATED: UPDATE: Pine Bluffs Man Identified as Victim of Tuesday's Fatal Shooting

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Timeline of Events

The fatal shooting occurred sometime before 4:22 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24, in the 1200 block of County Road 157, about eight miles west of Pine Bluffs.

According to Public Information Officer Brandon Warner, earlier that day, Christine Hefley moved horses from her and Kevin Hefley's shared property to Patrick Gross' property, upsetting Kevin.

Warner says the two men had a recent history of conflict, and on the morning of the shooting, Hefley threatened Gross via text message, saying, "I shoulda kicked your ass right in your own home."

"Later, Gross was parked in his driveway when Hefley drove rapidly towards him," said Warner. "Just prior to being rammed by Hefley, Gross shot Hefley’s radiator in an attempt to stop the vehicle."

Warner says later crash reconstruction indicated that Hefley was going about 60 mph when he hit Gross' truck, constituting the threat of deadly force.

"Hefley exited his vehicle and physically assaulted Gross by punching him multiple times, while Gross was inside his truck," said Warner. "During the altercation, Gross shot Hefley."

Despite being shot, Warner says Hefley continued to assault Gross while holding onto the driver's door of Gross' truck as Gross tried to drive away, eventually succumbing to his injuries.

"The scene was meticulously examined, including advanced crash reconstruction analysis and digital evidence from phones and social media," said Warner. "Hefley’s blood alcohol content was found to be nearly twice the legal limit (.143)."

Justifiable Homicide

Warner says after a comprehensive review, the Laramie County District Attorney's Office concluded that Gross acted in self-defense.

"Under Wyoming Statute 6-2-602, a person has the right to use reasonable force, including deadly force, when facing an imminent threat of death or serious injury," said Warner. "Gross believed he was in immediate danger and acted accordingly."

"Wyoming Statute 6-2-602 also affirms that there is no duty to retreat before defending oneself," added Warner. "Based on this, no criminal charges will be filed against Gross."