CASPER, Wyo. – A Casper man has been found guilty of second-degree homicide in the stabbing death of Ryan Schroeder in 2021. After less than four hours of deliberation, the jury reached a verdict. Justin Armando Marquez, 42, took the stand in his own defense on Friday, tearfully claiming that he had stabbed Schroeder, his longtime friend, in self-defense on June 26, 2021.
During the trial, state prosecutors presented evidence that tied Marquez to Schroeder’s death. The district attorney reminded the jury of Marquez’s initial denial of any knowledge of Schroeder’s whereabouts during an interview with law enforcement. However, Marquez later admitted to stabbing Schroeder multiple times and disposing of his body in a creek, which was discovered by investigators nine weeks later.
The forensic pathologist testified that Schroeder had sustained 30 stab wounds, with 10 in the front and 20 in the back. Marquez justified his actions by claiming that Schroeder had become paranoid and attacked him with a knife from the passenger seat. He expressed fear that the police would retaliate against him if he had shared this story during the investigation.
District Attorney Dan Itzen argued that Marquez had hoped to evade justice by waiting for the passage of time. Defense counsel emphasized that the state had not proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Marquez’s actions were not in self-defense.
With the guilty verdict on the charge of second-degree homicide, Marquez now faces a potential prison sentence of 20 years to life. Sentencing is expected to take place in the following months.
Additional details of the investigation can be found through the link provided.