Wyoming Woman Declared Brain Dead After Trying to Stop Meth-Fueled Gunman From Shooting Her Boyfriend, Police Say
GILLETTE, WYOMING — A Wyoming woman is brain dead after being shot in the head while trying to protect her boyfriend from a man reportedly high on methamphetamine and behaving erratically during a garage hangout, authorities said.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Cowboy State Daily, 43-year-old Javier Abeyta opened fire on Marissa Allen, 33, inside a home on the 1300 block of O’Henry Drive in Gillette on the night of October 9.
Suspect Was “Acting Crazy” Before the Shooting
Witnesses told investigators that Abeyta had been “spiraling” throughout the day while smoking meth and drinking. He joined Allen, her boyfriend, and several others in the garage later that evening — but his behavior quickly became alarming.
At one point, Abeyta allegedly pulled out a Hi-Point semiautomatic 9mm pistol and began pointing it at Allen’s boyfriend, leading Allen to intervene and try to take the gun away.
Witnesses said Abeyta had a “blank stare on his face” before attempting to shoot the boyfriend in the back of the head, but the gun misfired. Moments later, he turned the weapon on Allen and pulled the trigger.
After firing the shot, Abeyta reportedly turned to another witness and said, “I shot her … I killed her. Get out of my way or I will shoot you too.”
Victim Declared Brain Dead After Airlift to Colorado
Allen was rushed to a nearby hospital before being airlifted to a trauma center in Colorado, where she was later declared brain dead, police confirmed.
Investigators recovered a bullet lodged in the drywall of the garage and a 9mm handgun connected to Abeyta. Officers also obtained surveillance footage from a nearby home showing Abeyta yelling incoherently moments before the shooting, as neighborhood children played outside.
“He thought people were out to get him,” one witness told police, adding that Abeyta had been paranoid and delusional for several days.
Abeyta’s sister told investigators she had taken him to a hospital earlier that day, believing he was dehydrated or mentally unstable, but he was later released.
Long Criminal Record and Rising Charges
Court officials said Abeyta has a lengthy criminal record with multiple prior arrests for violent and drug-related offenses. He was initially charged with attempted second-degree murder and aggravated assault, but prosecutors are expected to upgrade the charges in light of Allen’s condition.
Abeyta is currently being held at the Sweetwater County Detention Center on a $1 million bond.
Gun violence fueled by drug use continues to devastate communities across the country. Authorities urge anyone struggling with substance abuse or mental health crises to seek help before tragedy strikes.
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