Tag: news

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Wyoming’s New Missing Person Protocol Law

A Step Forward in the Fight for the Missing

If If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you know how deeply I care about missing persons cases. I’ve spent countless hours researching, writing, and advocating for those who have vanished, and for the families left behind searching for answers. When I heard that Wyoming passed Senate File 114 (SF 114), a law aimed at standardizing how missing persons cases are handled, I felt something I don’t always get to feel when writing about these cases: hope.

On February 27, 2025, Wyoming took a major step toward improving how it responds to missing persons reports. It might seem like a dry administrative change, but in reality, it’s a lifeline for families who have long been met with confusion and delays when trying to report a loved one missing. In a state known for its vast wilderness and small, spread-out communities, those delays can mean the difference between a safe return and a cold case.

Why This Law Was Needed

For too long, Wyoming lacked a consistent approach to handling missing persons reports. Families trying to file reports often faced unnecessary roadblocks. Some agencies would accept cases right away, while others refused due to outdated policies. Imagine the heartbreak of knowing someone you love is missing and being told that law enforcement won’t even take the report. That was a painful reality for many families, and this law finally addresses it.

Wyoming’s remote landscape adds even more urgency. When someone disappears, it isn’t always about reviewing camera footage or pinging a phone. It’s miles of open land, unpredictable weather, and a race against time. Indigenous communities especially have suffered, seeing loved ones go missing with little to no law enforcement response. The need for change has been clear for far too long.

What the New Law Does

Senate File 114 introduces key safeguards to prevent cases from being ignored or delayed:

  • Mandatory Acceptance of Missing Person Reports
    All law enforcement agencies in Wyoming must now accept any credible missing person report. No refusals. No delay.
  • Time-Sensitive Data Entry
    Once a report is filed, agencies must enter the individual’s information into state and national databases within eight hours. This requirement removes the wait and ensures faster coordination.
  • Clear Jurisdiction Guidelines
    The agency responsible for the case is now clearly defined. If the person’s last known location is confirmed, that jurisdiction takes the lead. If not, it defaults to where the individual last lived. This clarity stops cases from getting bounced between agencies.
  • Centralized Case Management
    The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) will serve as the central hub for all missing persons records. This ensures consistent documentation and easier communication between departments.
  • Ongoing Oversight for Long-Term Cases
    If someone remains missing after 30 days, the case must be compiled into a full investigative file and submitted to the Attorney General and the DCI. This ensures continued oversight and attention.

What This Means for Families and Law Enforcement

For families, this law is life-changing. They no longer have to fight just to open a case. The burden is no longer on them to navigate a flawed system.

For law enforcement, this removes confusion. It outlines clear responsibilities and creates enforceable steps. Officers now have the structure they need to act quickly and consistently, without inter-agency conflict or interpretation.

A Step Toward a Better Future

This law is part of a growing movement to improve how missing persons cases are handled across the country. Some states have already implemented similar changes, but many still lag behind. While this is a victory for Wyoming, it also signals the beginning of what still needs to be done nationwide.

I’ve covered far too many cases where time was lost due to red tape. I’ve read accounts from families who begged for help and were turned away. Seeing this law pass gives me hope that momentum is building. Maybe, one day, no family will be left to suffer in silence when someone they love goes missing.

To every advocate, lawmaker, family member, and leader who fought for this legislation, thank you. This win belongs to you. And to every person still waiting for answers, please know that your story matters.

If you or someone you know has struggled to file a missing person report in the past, feel free to share your experience in the comments. Your voice deserves to be heard.

xoxo
-S

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The Fugitive Who Vanished

The 42-Year Hunt for Stephen Craig Campbell

Some crimes don’t just shake a community; they get under its skin, burrowing deep into the town’s collective memory. For the people of Rock Springs, Wyoming, August 23, 1982, was one of those nights. A seemingly normal evening was shattered by a violent explosion that left lasting scars, not just on the victims but on an entire town that had to live with the knowledge that the man responsible had slipped away.

A Bomb, A Betrayal, and A Vanishing Act

It started with a red metal toolbox, sitting outside a modest home like it had every right to be there. Except this one wasn’t filled with tools. It was packed with explosives. The woman who opened it, Stephen Craig Campbell’s ex-wife, had no idea what she was walking into. She wasn’t even the intended target, but that didn’t matter when the blast ripped through her hand, severing a finger and sending shrapnel tearing through the house. Fire swallowed the structure and the one next to it, leaving nothing but wreckage in its wake.

Her boyfriend, the one Campbell had been aiming for, was unharmed. But lives had already been altered forever.

Investigators barely had to connect the dots. Campbell had a history of anger, and he had been stewing ever since his marriage fell apart. He was arrested almost immediately, facing attempted first-degree murder charges. With the evidence stacked against him, it should have been an open-and-shut case. But Campbell had other plans.

Houdini in an Orange Jumpsuit

After posting bail in early 1983, Campbell did what no one expected. He disappeared. Vanished. No digital footprint, no trace, no whispers about his whereabouts. It was like he had ceased to exist.

And for decades, that’s exactly what it seemed like. The case went cold, investigators hit dead ends, and Campbell’s mugshot just gathered dust on most-wanted lists.

But here’s the thing about ghosts. Sometimes, they leave fingerprints.

The Man Who Wasn’t There

It took years, but eventually, someone noticed that Campbell had done more than just go into hiding. He had stolen an entire life. His new identity belonged to Walter Lee Coffman, a man who had died in a motorcycle accident in 1975. Campbell had taken his name, his Social Security number, and anything else that would make him look like an average citizen.

For decades, he lived as Coffman, keeping his head down in the mountains of Weed, New Mexico. He owned land, paid taxes, and even collected government benefits. Because what’s a little fraud when you’ve already dodged a murder charge?

Detectives tried over and over to track him, but Campbell had buried himself deep. Every time someone thought they had a lead, he slipped away again.

The Mistake That Cost Him Everything

For a guy who had been so careful for 42 years, you’d think he would have kept his paperwork in order. But Campbell got sloppy. When he tried to renew his identification, inconsistencies popped up. And here’s where things get ironic. New government policies aimed at cracking down on fraud flagged his application. The same system he had gamed for decades was the very thing that unraveled his lies.

Federal agents dug in, and it didn’t take long before the pieces came together. The man living as Walter Lee Coffman was actually Stephen Craig Campbell, the fugitive they had spent decades hunting.

On February 19, 2025, a team of FBI agents, U.S. Marshals, and Social Security investigators arrived at his compound with a simple message: Game over.

The Wannabe Doomsday Warrior

But Campbell wasn’t planning to go quietly. He grabbed a high-powered rifle, took up a concealed position, and prepared for what he probably thought would be his last stand. Remind you of anyone? I’m looking at you, David Koresh. But instead of going out in a fiery blaze of defiance, Campbell was met with flashbangs and tactical precision. Law enforcement gave him a chance to surrender, and whether he realized he was outmatched or just didn’t have the stomach for a shootout, he finally gave up.

No bullets fired. No dramatic ending. Just a 76-year-old man, caught in the lie he had built his life around.

What They Found in His Hideout

Turns out, Campbell had spent the last 40 years stockpiling for something. Whether it was survival, a showdown, or paranoia-fueled prepping, no one knows for sure. What we do know is that officers found 57 firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition on his property. The man was ready for a fight. He just didn’t get one.

Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Jason Mower put it bluntly: “Campbell’s wanted poster has been on the wall at our office since I started here nearly 20 years ago. Every lead went cold, no matter what tools we used. Now, I finally understand why.”

What Happens Next

Now, Campbell is sitting in a New Mexico jail, facing identity fraud and passport misuse charges. If convicted, he could get up to 10 years in federal prison before Wyoming finally gets its turn with him. The Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office has already made it clear they’re waiting.

For Campbell’s victims, his arrest doesn’t undo what happened, but at least it means he’ll finally answer for it. His ex-wife, now decades removed from the explosion that nearly killed her, will see him in court.

Sheriff John Grossnickle summed it up best: “This is one of the most significant and dramatic fugitive cases in Wyoming law enforcement history. No matter how much time passes, justice remains the priority.”

Stay Tuned for More True Crime Cases

Campbell thought he could outrun justice forever, but time caught up with him. And he’s not the only one. Just this month, another Wyoming man carried out a brutal, premeditated attack on his ex-wife. This time, it was with a shotgun instead of a bomb. A different weapon, a different decade, but the same horrifying theme: men who believe they have the right to destroy the lives of women who move on without them.

Next week, we’ll break down that case, another terrifying example of a man who refused to let go and chose violence instead of facing his own failures. Campbell managed to evade justice for 40 years, but next week’s subject met a different fate. One where consequences arrived much sooner. The question remains: why does this kind of violence against women continue, and what will it take for the system to catch up? This case may not span decades like Campbell’s, but it still forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about violence, accountability, and the justice system’s response.

Stay tuned for another wild Wyoming crime story.

xoxo
-S

As an amateur true crime writer, I strive to provide accurate and well-researched information. However, please be aware that I am not a professional investigator or journalist, and my work is based on available sources and my understanding of the case. There may be inaccuracies or incomplete details in my posts. I encourage readers to seek out additional sources and verify information from official and professional channels. Thank you for your understanding and support.

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Update on the Disappearance of Chance Englebert: New Developments and Ongoing Search

Interestingly, just a few days after I posted about Chance’s disappearance, my mom sent me this article: https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/06/30/new-leads-but-not-much-progress-finding-moorcroft-man-missing-for-5-years/?fbclid=IwY2xjawEGF3hleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHdGTNlijI0muOxhDbKGvvewzCNz4oeun8JaOj7K69ARSVpOXtmcYwKw2NA_aem_EB76Ke_hW856sycaWvkz1Q

As we continue to follow the case of Chance Englebert’s disappearance, there have been several new developments that have reignited hope and brought fresh challenges to the ongoing investigation. For those new to this case, Chance Englebert, a young husband and father, went missing in Gering, Nebraska, on July 6, 2019. Despite extensive searches and investigations, his whereabouts remain unknown.

Recent Developments

1. New Witnesses and Leads:
In the past few months, law enforcement agencies have received several new tips from individuals who claim to have seen Chance or possess information about his disappearance. These leads are currently being investigated, with authorities urging anyone with relevant information to come forward.

2. Expanded Search Areas:
Based on these new tips, search efforts have expanded to areas previously not covered. Ground searches, as well as aerial and underwater searches, have been conducted in and around Gering and neighboring regions. Volunteers and search teams have combed through these areas meticulously, hoping to find any clue that could lead to Chance.

3. Enhanced Community Support:
The local community and online groups dedicated to finding Chance have shown remarkable resilience and support. Fundraisers and community events have been organized to raise awareness and gather resources for the search efforts. The continued support from the public has been crucial in keeping the search for Chance alive.

4. Technological Advancements:
Utilizing advancements in technology, investigators have employed new tools and techniques in their search. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and thermal imaging have been used to scan large areas more efficiently. Additionally, social media and online platforms have been instrumental in spreading awareness and gathering information.

Challenges and Ongoing Efforts

Despite these positive developments, the search for Chance Englebert faces numerous challenges. The passage of time, environmental changes, and the vast area to be covered all contribute to the complexity of the investigation. However, law enforcement remains committed to solving this case and bringing closure to Chance’s family and loved ones.

Family’s Plea for Help:
Chance’s family continues to be vocal and active in the search. They have expressed their gratitude for the ongoing support and have made public appeals for anyone with information to come forward. Their strength and determination remain a driving force in the quest for answers.

Collaboration with Private Investigators:
In addition to law enforcement efforts, the family has enlisted the help of private investigators to explore new avenues and leads. This collaboration aims to bring a fresh perspective and additional resources to the investigation.

How You Can Help

The search for Chance Englebert is far from over, and there are several ways you can help:

  1. Spread Awareness: Share information about Chance’s disappearance on social media platforms and within your community. The more people who are aware, the better the chances of uncovering new leads.
  2. Provide Information: If you have any information related to Chance’s disappearance, no matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact local law enforcement or the dedicated tip lines.
  3. Support the Family: Moral and emotional support can make a significant difference. Reach out to the family with messages of hope and encouragement.
  4. Participate in Searches and Events: If you are in the area, consider joining search efforts or attending events organized to support the search for Chance.

The disappearance of Chance Englebert remains a deeply troubling mystery, but recent developments have rekindled hope. The combined efforts of law enforcement, the community, and dedicated individuals continue to push forward, determined to find answers and bring Chance home. Your support and vigilance are invaluable in this ongoing search. Let us continue to stand together and remain hopeful for a resolution in this case.

For the latest updates and detailed information, please follow these official sources and social media channels dedicated to Chance Englebert’s case:

I apologize for the oversight. Here are the official sources and social media channels dedicated to Chance Englebert’s case where you can find the latest updates and information:

  1. Facebook Page: “Find Chance Englebert”
  • This page is actively managed by Chance’s family and supporters, providing updates, organizing search efforts, and sharing relevant information.
  • Find Chance Englebert on Facebook
  1. Local Law Enforcement:
  • Gering Police Department
  • Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office
  • These agencies are leading the investigation and can be contacted directly with any information.
  1. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs):
  1. GoFundMe Page:

These sources are reliable and provide the most current and accurate information regarding the search for Chance Englebert. Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned for more updates and remember, every bit of information counts. Together, we can make a difference.

xoxo
-S

As an amateur true crime writer, I strive to provide accurate and well-researched information. However, please be aware that I am not a professional investigator or journalist, and my work is based on available sources and my understanding of the case. There may be inaccuracies or incomplete details in my posts. I encourage readers to seek out additional sources and verify information from official and professional channels. Thank you for your understanding and support.