Investigation Underway After 82-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in Wyoming

Authorities have launched a homicide investigation after 82-year-old Karen Marie Moyer was found dead in her Wyoming home on Monday, October 21, 2024. A person of interest, identified by law enforcement as 28-year-old Michael John Gentry, was taken into custody in Indiana shortly after the discovery.

Discovery of the Victim in Laramie County

The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies discovered Moyer’s body at her residence in the 6000 block of Mountainview Drive in Cheyenne, Wyoming, during a welfare check. According to the Laramie County Sheriff’s Office, officers arrived at the scene at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Monday. They entered the home after family members expressed concern that they had not heard from Moyer. Investigators have since characterized the death as a homicide, though specific details regarding the cause of death have not been released by the coroner’s office.

Apprehension of Person of Interest in Indiana

Following the discovery in Cheyenne, law enforcement agencies coordinated a multi-state search for a suspect. On Monday afternoon, Michael John Gentry was located and detained in Indiana. According to the Indiana State Police, Gentry was taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop. Authorities have confirmed that Gentry is currently being held in an Indiana jail pending extradition proceedings back to Wyoming. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office stated that Gentry is considered the primary person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

Legal Process and Extradition

The process to return Gentry to Wyoming is currently moving through the court system. Extradition involves a formal request between the governors of the two states, a procedure mandated by the U.S. Constitution for individuals fleeing criminal charges across state lines. While Gentry remains in custody in Indiana, the Laramie County District Attorney’s Office is preparing the necessary documentation to transfer him to Cheyenne, where he will face formal questioning and potential charges. Officials have not yet disclosed the specific relationship between Moyer and Gentry, nor have they released a motive for the alleged crime.

Status of the Investigation

The investigation remains active as forensic teams process evidence collected from the scene on Mountainview Drive. The Laramie County Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone with information regarding the incident contact their detective division directly. Because the investigation is ongoing, authorities have stated that additional details will be provided as they become available through official briefings. No other suspects are currently being sought in connection with the case.

Key Facts

• Victim: Karen Marie Moyer, 82, of Cheyenne, Wyoming.
• Person of Interest: Michael John Gentry, 28, taken into custody in Indiana.
• Location of Incident: 6000 block of Mountainview Drive, Cheyenne.
• Law Enforcement Agencies: Laramie County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police.