Fort Washakie Man Sentenced in Shooting Case

Acting United States Attorney for the District of Wyoming Bob Murray announced Thursday that 21-year-old Victor Ynostrosa of Fort Washakie was sentenced by Chief Federal District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl for assaulting an individual with a firearm, resulting in serious bodily injury. Ynostrosa received a sentence of 30 months imprisonment to be followed by three years of supervised release with special conditions. He was also ordered to pay $26,557 in restitution and a $100 special assessment fee.

According to a news release from the Department of Justice, on December 10, 2020, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Wind River Police Department were dispatched to a reported shooting in Fort Washakie. Upon arrival, the officer witnessed a young man with a bullet wound who was described to be Ynostrosa’s cousin. After a night of heavy drinking with his sister and cousin, the three began arguing and an altercation ensued. Ynostrosa brandished a .22 caliber firearm and shot his cousin in the upper torso, which missed his heart but hit his aorta.  The victim was taken to Wyoming Medical Center with potentially life-threatening injuries where he underwent surgery. Ynostrosa was located a short time later and arrested. The crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Wind River Police Department. Ynostrosa was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kerry Jacobson.