A young man from Wyoming, aged 19, is set to serve a minimum of ten years in prison following the tragic shooting of his 16-year-old friend. The incident occurred while they were smoking marijuana and engaging in a game of Madden, with a firearm being mishandled.

Luka Wade Rasmussen admitted to involuntary manslaughter in October, and this week, a judge handed down a sentence of 10 to 16 years for the death of Riley Sears, as reported by Oil City News.

The events unfolded on the evening of February 12, 2025, when the teens were immersed in video games at a residence in Casper. During the session, Rasmussen began to toy with a gun, ultimately pointing it at Riley and discharging the weapon, resulting in his friend’s death.

During the sentencing, District Attorney Dan Itzen emphasized the gravity of the situation, reportedly stating, “There’s a common sense aspect to this. You can’t smoke dope and point gun lasers with one in the chamber and expect things to work out.”

Jacob Sears, the father of Riley, shared a heart-wrenching victim impact statement, recounting the moment he received a call from an unknown number, informing him of his son’s shooting. A detective later confirmed the devastating news of Riley’s passing.

“Since February 12, 2025, it’s been a recurring nightmare,” he reportedly expressed. “I keep waking up and thinking it isn’t real… Some days, I just can’t hold myself together.”

Prosecutors said Rasmussen exhibited a gangster persona on social media and often pointed guns at people despite warnings against doing so. Judge Kerri Johnson pointed out before sentencing that he wasn’t the only one responsible.

“Where the adult of the house was in all this, I don’t know,” she said.

As Law&Crime previously reported, the defendant initially said he had had the gun resting on his thigh when it went off, but another witness claimed that Rasmussen was pointing it at Riley, according to Cowboy State Daily. Prosecutors presented social media photos in court showing Rasmussen pointing the gun at the teenage witness on two separate dates. The latter incident happened on Feb. 10, 2025 — two days before the fatal shooting.

Police claimed that the father of the third teen had told Rasmussen after the shooting to “get rid of the gun.”

“Rasmussen stated he ran out of the back door on the main floor of the residence and ran to the shed,” police wrote. “Rasmussen stated he threw his gun behind the shed and did not recall removing the magazine or manipulating the gun.”

Police found the gun behind the shed.

According to his obituary, Riley loved to be with family and was known as a prankster.

“Riley was a spirited and kind soul, known for his love of making music,” the obituary said. “He enjoyed anything with wheels, especially skateboarding alongside his dad and brother. A master gamer, Riley often outplayed his older brother and friends, much to their chagrin.”