Background: The Casper, Wyo. apartment complex where Rylie Woolson allegedly opened fire (Google Maps). Inset: Rylie Woolson (Casper Police Department).
A Wyoming woman who became entangled in her friend’s personal issues supposedly fired at another woman and displayed strong determination to use her weapon.
Rylie Woolson, aged 25, was taken into custody by the Casper Police Department on May 29 following her alleged involvement in a shooting stemming from her friend’s domestic conflict. As per an affidavit detailed by the local news source Oil City News, a dispute between two unnamed women occurred at a Casper, Wyoming apartment complex within the property’s courtyard. One of the women was a resident of the complex, while the other woman was reportedly engaged in an extramarital affair with the former’s husband.
Woolson, who also lived at the complex, was reportedly friends with the betrayed wife and, according to police, decided to become involved in the fight.
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According to the affidavit, Woolson’s boyfriend, Brent Sanborn, whose age was not provided, told Woolson about the fight and suggested that she go check on her friend. He told police that the argument “threw up a red flag” for her, but he reportedly warned her not to get too involved.
Despite that, witnesses told police that they saw Woolson come out of her apartment wielding a handgun, approach the two women, and allegedly aim the gun at the woman engaged in the apparent affair. That woman told police that she grabbed Woolson’s arm and a struggle for control of the gun ensued. When she noticed that the gun was aimed at her stomach, she told police that she heard a clicking sound.
The affidavit stated that other people came out to get the gun away from the fray, and Sanborn ultimately got his hands on the weapon and ejected the clip. Woolson then reportedly said, “That’s okay, I have another clip upstairs.”
Woolson left the scene for her apartment. Witnesses said that the next time she was seen, she fired at the apparent mistress from the balcony. The woman was not hit, but Woolson’s friend was reportedly hit by shrapnel. Police observed a mark in the concrete and bullet fragments at the scene.
After allegedly firing her weapon, Woolson gathered up her two children and another three children she had been watching and left the premises along with Sanborn in her vehicle. Both were apprehended by police in a nearby shopping center.
Woolson was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and battery and posted $25,000 bond. During her court appearance on May 30, she reportedly told the judge that she was dealing with mental health issues. The affidavit stated that Woolson told a detective that she hoped her friend would take the same kind of action for her.
The woman whom Woolson was allegedly aiming at was not hurt. The five children who had been under the care of Woolson and Sanborn were taken into protective custody.
Sanborn was charged with violating a protection order and was booked on a $2,500 cash or surety bond.
