Former Thermopolis man faces 21 years

A former Hot Springs County resident is facing 21 years in prison following the alleged shooting of his stepfather-in-law.

The Washakie County Sheriff's department arrested Anthony Haire, 31, after a shooting that left Jamye SoRelle, 58, dead. SoRelle was also a former HSC resident.

According to an affidavit of probable cause from the Washakie County Sheriff's department, the dispute started with an argument over parking on a shared driveway.

SoRelle had maneuvered his vehicle and trailer to block the driveway so that no one could leave the property.

Haire attempted to contact SoRelle, first in person and then over the phone, in order to get him to move the vehicle.

According to the affidavit, after a dispute over the phone both parties went outside. Haire left his residence with a family member and friend, and SoRelle allegedly came running out of his residence and down the sidewalk.

Haire allegedly noticed SoRelle had a revolver in his right hand. The affidavit then says SoRelle discharged the revolver once in the general direction of the group.

Haire ushered the group inside, and allegedly retrieved a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic handgun from his brother's car.

According to the affidavit, SoRelle had gotten into the vehicle blocking the driveway. The affidavit says Haire thought SoRelle was attempting to move the vehicle.

According to the affidavit Haire then called out to SoRelle as he approached the vehicle. At some point during this encounter the affidavit said, Haire opened fire on SoRelle. Twelve rounds were fired, and eight struck SoRelle.

Of the bullets, one round struck SoRelle in the lower back and traveled on to the left of the spine, according to the affidavit.

Another bullet traveled through the chest cavity and lodged itself in SoRelle's left arm, according to the affidavit.

A third bullet entered below the belt line and traveled up to lodge itself in SoRelle's throat, to the right of the trachea, according to the affidavit.

Law enforcement received a call about shots fired at 1459 U.S. Highway 20 South at 9:05 p.m. on April 13.

Deputies arrived on scene after receiving the call to find SoRelle lying on the ground.

Haire allegedly said he had shot SoRelle in self-defense.

Washakie County Attorney John Worrall requested that bond be set at $50,000 cash or assurity.

Worrall said the bond was set at the lower amount because Haire had called law enforcement after allegedly shooting his neighbor, and had stayed at the scene and waited for officers to arrive.

"Mr. Haire was the one to call the police, he didn't leave the scene," Worrall said, explaining that Haire is not a flight risk.

Haire is facing a possible 20 years in prison on manslaughter charges. Because he allegedly fired shots across the highway, he is also facing a year in jail for reckless endangerment.

The misdemeanor is punishable by a year in jail and, or, a $1,000 fine.

A preliminary hearing is set for 8 a.m. Thursday, April 23.