Second trial for Haire scheduled

Anthony Haire will go to trial again Oct. 23 in Washakie County, on charges of involuntary manslaughter and reckless endangerment.

Sentenced in early May, 2016 to 8-10 years with the Wyoming Department of Corrections, as well as a year of probation, Haire appealed the case on May 27, 2016. On May 8, 2017, the verdict was reversed and the case remanded for new trial.

The charges stem from an April 13, 2015 incident, during which Haire shot and killed his stepfather-in-law Jamye Don Sorelle, following an argument. He was found guilty on Dec. 10 of the same year.

According to court documents regarding the incident, Haire had been grilling in front of his home for family and a friend. As the friend went to leave, she found her vehicle blocked by SoRelle’s truck. After attempts were made to have SoRelle move his vehicle, in person and via phone calls, SoRelle became agitated; he later appeared with a handgun and fired a shot between Haire’s wife and friend.

Haire moved the two women into his residence, retrieved a pistol from his vehicle and took up a defensive position. He claimed to see Sorelle raise his arm and what appeared to be a gun. Haire fired a couple times, causing Sorelle to “square up” and raise his gun, at which point Haire unloaded his clip at Sorelle, who was hit nine times and died of his wounds.

Though Haire later argued he shot in self-defense, it was determined SoRelle had been shot while on the ground.

According to the appeal filed, Haire contended the court failed to provide the jury with a requested castle doctrine, which stated he a person has no duty to retreat into his home even if he can safely do so. Haire also contended the court failed when it gave instruction to the jury that he had a duty to retreat before using deadly force.

In the decision to reverse the guilty verdict, it was reasonable to conclude the jury believed Haire had a legal duty to retreat before using deadly force in self-defense or defense of his family and friend. Therefore, the error adversely affected a substantial right and cause prejudice against Haire.