Wyoming Supreme Court Upholds 42-75-Year Sentence for Casper Teen Killer

Eavan Castaner was 15 when he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend in 2024.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The Wyoming Supreme Court has upheld the 42- to 75-year sentence imposed on Eavan Castaner, who was 15 years old when he shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Lane'a Brown in Casper, Wyoming in 2024. Castaner's attorney argued the sentence violated the state's constitution, but the court ruled that because Castaner received a term of years and not a life sentence, the law establishing parole eligibility for juveniles sentenced to life did not apply.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex legal issues surrounding sentencing for juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes. The court's ruling underscores the need for clear and consistent laws to address these cases, which often involve balancing public safety concerns with the rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders.

The details

Castaner was charged with first-degree murder but pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. His attorney argued the 42- to 75-year sentence violated the state's constitution, which says juvenile offenders sentenced to life must be eligible for parole after 25 years. However, the court ruled that because Castaner received a term of years and not a life sentence, the 2013 law did not apply. The court also found the sentence did not constitute 'cruel or unusual punishment' given the gravity of the crime.

  • Eavan Castaner shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Lane'a Brown on May 14, 2024.
  • Castaner was sentenced on April 8, 2025.
  • The Wyoming Supreme Court upheld the sentence on February 24, 2026.

The players

Eavan Castaner

A 15-year-old who shot and killed his ex-girlfriend Lane'a Brown in Casper, Wyoming in 2024.

Lane'a Brown

Castaner's ex-girlfriend who he shot and killed in 2024.

Judge Dan Forgey

The Natrona County District Court judge who imposed the 42- to 75-year sentence on Castaner.

Ryan Semerad

Castaner's attorney who argued the sentence violated the Wyoming Constitution.

Chief Deputy District Attorney

The prosecutor who filed memoranda arguing for a different sentencing standard to apply.

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What they’re saying

“The Supreme Court's ruling highlighted an effective blind spot in the laws that undermined the legislature's intent in writing the 2013 amendment establishing parole eligibility for juveniles sentenced to life after 25 years.”

— Ryan Semerad, Castaner's attorney (Oil City News)

What’s next

Castaner's attorney has indicated he may appeal the Supreme Court's ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court, arguing the sentence violates the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

The takeaway

This case underscores the complex legal issues surrounding juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes, and the need for clear and consistent laws to balance public safety concerns with rehabilitation and reintegration of young offenders.