A Wyoming woman, Rylie Woolson, was arrested on May 29, 2024, after she allegedly became involved in a heated domestic dispute between two women, which resulted in gunfire. The confrontation, which took place at a Casper apartment complex, escalated when Woolson allegedly aimed a handgun at one of the women involved in the affair, and later fired shots from her balcony. Woolson, 25, now faces multiple charges, and her actions have raised concerns about the involvement of weapons in personal conflicts.
The Domestic Dispute That Led to Gunfire
According to the affidavit obtained by Oil City News, the incident began as an argument between two women in the courtyard of an apartment complex in Casper. One of the women lived at the complex with her husband, and the other was reportedly having an affair with him. Woolson, who also lived in the complex, was a friend of the wife and decided to intervene when she learned about the situation. Woolson’s boyfriend, Brent Sanborn, allegedly told her about the argument and advised her not to get involved, but Woolson’s actions suggested otherwise.
Witnesses later reported seeing Woolson leave her apartment with a handgun in hand. She reportedly approached the two women and aimed the gun at the one involved in the affair. The woman grabbed Woolson’s arm to try and control the weapon, leading to a brief struggle. During the struggle, the woman reportedly heard a click, which made her fear for her life as the gun appeared to be aimed at her stomach.
Escalation of the Situation
The confrontation grew even more intense as people came outside to break up the struggle. Sanborn, Woolson’s boyfriend, eventually took control of the weapon and ejected the clip. However, Woolson allegedly remarked, “That’s okay, I have another clip upstairs,” before returning to her apartment. Despite the initial attempt to de-escalate, Woolson’s actions did not stop there.
Soon after, witnesses reported seeing Woolson on her apartment’s balcony, where she allegedly fired a shot at the woman she had been targeting. While the intended target was unharmed, Woolson’s friend, who had been nearby, was hit by shrapnel from the bullet. Police discovered a mark in the concrete and bullet fragments at the scene. Woolson’s actions led to even more chaos, as she quickly gathered her children and three other kids she had been watching, leaving the scene with Sanborn in her vehicle.
Police Arrest and Legal Consequences
Police apprehended Woolson and Sanborn in a nearby shopping center after they fled the apartment complex. Woolson was charged with two counts of aggravated assault and battery and later posted a $25,000 bond. In her court appearance on May 30, Woolson reportedly told the judge she was dealing with mental health issues and expressed a desire for her friend to take similar action for her if she ever found herself in the same situation.
The woman whom Woolson allegedly aimed at was not injured in the shooting. However, the five children, including Woolson’s own, who were in her care during the incident, were taken into protective custody. Additionally, Sanborn was charged with violating a protection order and was booked on a $2,500 bond.
This disturbing incident in Casper highlights the extreme consequences of getting involved in personal disputes, especially when weapons are involved. Woolson’s actions, fueled by anger and emotional turmoil, turned a domestic disagreement into a dangerous and reckless situation. The case serves as a reminder of the potential dangers surrounding gun violence and the importance of conflict resolution through peaceful means. As Woolson and Sanborn face legal repercussions, this case will likely raise further questions about the role of mental health and weapon accessibility in domestic conflicts.
