Update on July 2025 Shooting Investigation
by Sublette County Sheriff’s Office
December 11, 2025
The Sublette County Sheriff’s Office is providing an update regarding the July 11, 2025, shooting incident involving Paul Browning and Craig Rice. A Special Prosecutor was appointed by the Sublette County Board of County Commissioners as a result of an ethical conflict prohibiting review by the Sublette County Attorney’s Office. Dan Itzen, Natrona County District Attorney, the appointed special prosecutor has completed an independent review of the July 11, 2025, shooting incident in Pinedale and determined that no criminal charges will be filed.
Following a review of the completed investigation conducted by the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office, the Special Prosecutor focused on the immediate circumstances of the confrontation, the actions of both individuals, and the physical evidence collected at the scene. His review determined that Mr. Browning’s behavior, verbal threats, and the object he was holding created conditions that could reasonably be interpreted as presenting an imminent threat to Mr. Rice. These factors, along with the rapid escalation of the encounter, and the proximity between the two men formed the basis for the conclusion that Mr. Rice’s response was consistent with self-defense under Wyoming law.
This concludes the criminal review of the case.
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