Another shooting in Star Valley, this time an arrest
Leanne Gardner taken into custody after standoff at Branding Iron Trailer Court
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — An arrest has been made in Star Valley after yet another shooting incident.
Leanne Gardner*, of Etna, was taken into custody early this morning after a shooting at the Branding Iron Trailer Court in Etna. Lincoln County Sheriff Deputies, Wyoming Highway Patrol Troopers, Agents from the Division of Criminal Investigation, and EMS were dispatched to that location in response to shots fired.
Upon arrival at approximately 12:49am, officers learned that the suspected shooter was still inside the trailer of the victim, and refused to comply with orders to come out and talk with officers on scene. After a short standoff, officers were able to gain entry into the trailer and take Gardner into custody without further incident.
Investigators on-scene learned a firearm was discharged and a victim was treated for non-gunshot injuries. The victim was treated for those minor injuries at the scene but refused further medical treatment.
Gardner was booked into the Lincoln County Detention Center on suspicion of Aggravated Assault and Battery, Aggravated Burglary, and Use of a Controlled Substance. The shooting is being investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office. Official charges are pending through the Lincoln County Attorney’s Office.
Latest in a series of regional shootings
A Jackson Hole Press story on May 13 first delved into concerning incidents in Star Valley. A follow-up story with the victim of one such shooting on April 14 explored the scenario where the victim’s husband has been dating the shooter suspected in that incident. The victim alleges her shooter is Gardner as well.
In fact, the victim in the April 14 shooting filed a restraining order against Gardner, and shared with JH Press that it “was not the first time she shot at someone and wouldn’t be the last.”
The residence where Gardner is charged with breaking into this morning is sometimes cohabitated by the April 14 victim, (who JH Press is still choosing not to identify), and the person shot at in this morning’s incident is the victim’s roommate. The victim shared with Jackson Hole Press she believes Gardner may have been looking for her.
To date, no one has been charged in connection with the April 14 shooting.
Leanne Gardner is identified as “Leanne” by authorities. She uses “Leana” on social media.
Meanwhile, Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office say Morey P. Pelton, 36, of Jefferson County, was shot and killed at the Lane Clark Rest Area (Swan Valley) on Highway 26, east of Ririe sometime between May 12 and May 13. A $5,000 reward from Crimestoppers is being offered for information leading to an arrest in that unsolved shooting.
