Domestic Violence Call Turned Deadly When the Suspect (Veteran) Rushed to Grab his Rifle

On June 6, 2024, at approximately 9:30 p.m., multiple officers with the Casper Police Department responded to a call for service regarding a disturbance in the 5000 Block of Pay It Forward Drive. Officers spoke with the victim on scene, who made allegations that she was the victim of domestic violence. Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, 26-year-old Trae Spurlock, for five minutes. After all attempts to contact Spurlock failed, Officers returned to speak with the victim.

In need of personal items from her home, the victim requested to enter the residence. To ensure her safety, the officers accompanied her. While this conversation was happening, one of the officers speaks with the victim to confirm if the weapon they had just observed, was, in fact, real. Upon entering the residence, the officers found Spurlock sitting on the balcony with a rifle next to him on the ground. For nearly 15 minutes, the officers attempted to talk Spurlock into the apartment, and away from his rifle.

When the officers attempted to arrest Spurlock for simple, domestic assault, Spurlock opened the sliding door and turned rapidly back towards the rifle. When the attempted use of a taser failed, the officer fired his weapon seven (7) times, six (6) of which struck Spurlock as he moved for his rifle. Officers immediately began first aid efforts and Spurlock was transported by ambulance to Banner Wyoming Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.