Murder, accessory charges filed in Fort Bridger death

EVANSTON (WNE) — Lyman resident Skylar Gray, 36, has been charged with first-degree murder for the Aug. 31 shooting death of Jeremy Jaques, 48, of Mountain View. The shooting took place in Fort Bridger during Labor Day weekend’s Fort Bridger Rendezvous, which was put on high alert for a short period of time until the location of the shooting was confirmed. 

Gray’s partner, Shadawn Oehler, 34, was also arrested and charged with a felony count of accessory after the fact. 

The Uinta County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of shots fired at a private residence across the highway from the post office at approximately 5:48 p.m. Deputies arrived just after emergency medical service (EMS) crews. 

An affidavit filed Sept. 3 states, “After securing the scene, the ambulance stopped life saving measures. Jaques had no signs of life.” 

According to the affidavit, an eyewitness described a dispute between Gray and Jaques in which Gray alleged the other man owed him. According to the witness, Gray shot Jaques and fired four more times after Jaques fell to the ground.

The witness also told law enforcement that Gray was not alone during the incident. 

A woman, presumably Oehler, and children were present in the vehicle during the alleged shooting. 

According to Oehler’s affidavit, Gray told her to throw the gun out the car window as they were driving away. 

Oehler admitted she discarded the firearm near Micheli Ranch Road, court documents state. A .45 caliber handgun was recovered near the crime scene. According to an affidavit in Gray’s case, 10 spent .45 shell casings were recovered under and around Jaques’ body. 

If convicted, Gray could face the death penalty or life imprisonment with or without the possibility of parole. 

This story was published on September 11, 2024.