Background: A portion of South Washington Street in Casper, Wyoming (Google Maps). Inset: Sebastian Belden (Natrona County Sheriff”s Office).
A Wyoming man, entangled in a tragic incident that unfolded during a game of “quick draw” on Mother’s Day, has confessed to his role in the shooting of a teenager, authorities have confirmed.
Sebastian Belden, aged 21, has entered a guilty plea to charges of aggravated assault and battery, according to reports from local media, including Cowboy State Daily. Following a plea agreement with the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office, Belden is now facing a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years.
On May 11, Belden was with a friend outside a home on the 100 block of South Washington Street in Casper, Wyoming. The two friends were “mishandling firearms, including pointing loaded handguns at one another,” the Natrona County Sheriff’s Office said.
The game, colloquially known as “quick draw,” was a familiar pastime for Belden and the 16-year-old victim, often involving the reckless act of pointing firearms at one another. In a concerning twist, Belden had even purchased a gun for his young companion.
On the fateful evening, the usual routine took a devastating turn when a gun was not merely aimed but fired. Belden’s weapon discharged, resulting in a bullet striking the teenager above the left eye and exiting behind the left ear. The injured teen was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.
During questioning, Belden described the incident as a “one-in-a-million fluke,” claiming the safety was engaged and he was unaware of a live round in the chamber. His statement to investigators, as reported by local sources, reflects his disbelief and regret over the incident. Belden was subsequently arrested on May 23 and remains in custody at the Natrona County Detention Center.
Witnesses to the shooting, including Belden’s fiancée and two minors, were initially instructed by Belden to mislead authorities by claiming the gun discharged accidentally when he tripped. This detail was highlighted in coverage by Oil City News, offering insight into the immediate aftermath of the reckless game turned tragic.
However, authorities noted that Belden appeared to have “remorse” for what happened, and he wrote an apology letter to the victim’s family, asking for officers to give it to them.
“The note expressed regret and remorse on behalf of Belden for hurting [the teen],” an affidavit reportedly stated. “The note also indicated that the shooting was a ‘terrible accident’ and asked for the family’s forgiveness.”
