The Torrington Police Department (TPD), Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Goshen County Coroner are currently investigating a homicide, arson, and vehicle theft that was reported to them Tuesday morning, April 20.
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TORRINGTON – The Torrington Police Department (TPD), Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and Goshen County Coroner are currently investigating a homicide, arson, and vehicle theft that was reported to them Tuesday morning, April 20.
According to a press release from Torrington Police Chief Matt Johnson, “This morning at approximately 6:10 a.m., our Communications Center was made aware of a fire in the 300 block of East Valley Road in Torrington.”
After the Torrington Volunteer Fire Department (TVFD) had arrived on scene and began working to battle the blaze, officers were made aware of suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. As a result of the information received, the fire is being investigated as a suspected arson.
The release continues, “Officers conducted a follow-up investigation based on the information that was received, and a deceased person was ultimately located in the 1300 block of East 17th Avenue in Torrington. The death is suspicious in nature and is being investigated as a suspected homicide at this time.”
Officers were made aware of a reported stolen vehicle in the 1700 block of East C Street while they were investigating the suspected homicide.
Goshen County Sheriff’s Office personnel located the vehicle near the North Platte River, south of Pioneer Park.
“All of these incidents are believed to be related and the crimes are associated with a single suspect,” Johnson said in the release. “The suspect has been taken into custody and is currently housed at the Goshen County Detention Center.”
Sean Pettus, a 32-year-old male and owner of BadDreams&Robots tattoo parlor in Torrington, has been identified as the suspect in the matter. He was arrested Tuesday morning, April 20, 2021 and is being detained at the Goshen County Detention Center without bail. He has been charged with one count of motor vehicle theft, but other charges are likely forthcoming, pending the completion of the TPD and DCI investigation.
Johnson asserted there is no ongoing threat to the area they are aware of at this time as the suspect is in custody.
“This investigation is complex and involves multiple crime scenes in our community. Our agency will be working with Wyoming DCI and the Goshen County Coroner to gather all of the available evidence so that the truth can be learned, and justice sought for the victim.”
Johnson told the Telegram the investigation is active and ongoing and no additional information will be released at this time. He also expressed agency resources are significantly stretched because of the size and complexity of this case and response to routine calls could be delayed, though officers will be readily available for emergency calls.
He asked the public to please remain patient with them while they work through this investigation.
The victim’s name is being withheld at this time out of respect for the family and to allow law enforcement to make necessary notifications.
