CASPER, Wyo. – A teenage boy from Natrona County High School had his bond set at $1 million on Wednesday after being suspected of killing a 17-year-old girl. Eavan Castaner, born in 2008, faced charges of felonious first-degree murder and misdemeanor stalking during his initial court appearance. This tragic incident marked the second time in just over a month that a teenager had been arrested in connection with the death of a minor.
Authorities responded to a shooting incident just after midnight on Tuesday in which the victim, Lenea Brown, was found lying on Indian Wells Road with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Brown was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the Banner Wyoming Medical Center. Witnesses identified Castaner as the shooter, pointing to a troubling story of love turned deadly.
Investigations revealed that Castaner and Brown had previously been in a relationship for about a year before breaking up nearly a month ago. Messages found on Brown’s phone suggested that Castaner was persistent in contacting her even after the breakup, causing distress to Brown who expressed her desire to live in peace without his interference.
Alarming text messages from Castaner to Brown, including disturbing threats of violence, were posted online late Monday night. Castaner, who had been consuming alcohol earlier in the day, was determined to confront Brown despite efforts from a friend to prevent him from leaving to engage in a potentially harmful encounter.
The tragic encounter unfolded when Castaner confronted Brown and her cousin, resulting in Brown being fatally shot by Castaner. After the shooting, Castaner fled to a acquaintance’s house before ultimately surrendering to the authorities, stating that the shooting was intentional and premeditated.
Castaner’s actions had a devastating impact on both families involved, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues and relationship conflicts among teenagers. As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and seeks answers to prevent such tragedies in the future.