Natrona County Coroner releases name of 16-year-old shooting victim

CASPER (WNE) – The Natrona County Coroner's Office named the victim of the Wednesday night’s shooting in Casper.

Police responded to a call of shots fired on the 5000 block of 8th Street on Wednesday evening, just after 9 p.m.  Riley Jacob Sears, 16, was pronounced dead when officers arrived on the scene.

The Casper Police Department arrested Luka Rasmussen, 18, as a suspect in connection with the incident. He has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and is being held in the custody of Natrona County Sheriff's Office.

According to police, several individuals were hanging out when Rasmussen "began handing a firearm recklessly, shooting the sixteen-year-old victim."

The CPD declined to comment on the circumstances of the shooting and whether or not an altercation occurred, citing the ongoing investigation.

Investigators found "evidence of drug use as well as several stolen firearms" at the scene, according to the police.

Sears' death is the third of its kind since April 2024. Three teenagers have been killed and four teens have been arrested and charged in connection to the killings.

One, Eavan Castaner, who shot Lene'a Brown near Buckboard Park in May, has since pleaded guilty. He is scheduled to be sentenced in April.

Media reports indicate that Rasmussen's bail has been set at $500,000. His next court date has not been scheduled.

This story was published on February 13, 2025.