Murder-Suicide rocks Star Valley
News broke last Wednesday about a murder-suicide on the Idaho side of the border near Freedom, Wyoming. This report is based on information from the Wyoming Tribune Eagle, East Idaho News, and the Bonneville and Lincoln County Sheriffs Offices.
A 911 call was received by Bonneville County dispatchers at 8:06 in the morning. The caller was identified as Christopher Moon, 43, of Afton, Wyoming. He claimed to be in possession of a firearm, and told dispatchers that he intended to shoot himself.
Jackknife Road was closed at Stateline Road west of the Wyoming border to the location of the scene, which saw the deployment of “more than a dozen law enforcement officers and other officials,” according to reporting from the scene. A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit from BCSO and other officers were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Star Valley Ambulance service.
BCSO reported that soon after deputies arrived at the area, vehicles belonging to Christopher Moon and his wife, 23-year old Cassandra Moon (also known as Cassie Clinger), of Freedom, were parked on the side of the road.
It was reported that Deputies established brief contact with Christopher over the phone, and attempted to convince him to surrender peacefully. He was shortly afterward observed using the gun to shoot himself. Deputies approached the vehicles, finding both Christopher and Cassandra deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.
It was determined that Cassandra had been shot by Christopher.
Officials stated that there were no other people on the scene and no other injuries, including any of Cassandra’s children. Deputies spent several hours collecting evidence from the scene, and the investigation is still ongoing.
A GoFundMe titled “In Memory of Cassie Clinger” has already raised more than $50,000 as of Monday afternoon toward its goal of $60,000. It reads, in part: “It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of Cassie Clinger. Her loss has left a profound void in the lives of everyone who knew and loved her. Cassie was a devoted mother whose love for her children knew no bounds. This fundraiser has been created to help support them during this devastating time and to honor Cassie’s life.
Funds raised will go toward:
• Funeral and memorial expenses for Cassie
• Immediate and ongoing support for Cassie’s kids including basic needs, stability, and care
• Any additional unforeseen expenses as the family navigates this profound loss
No amount can ease the pain of this tragedy, but your generosity can help relieve some of the financial burden and provide support to the children Cassie loved so deeply.
If you are unable to donate, please consider sharing this fundraiser and keeping this family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring Cassie with your compassion, love, and support during this incredibly difficult time.”
The site can be found by searching for “In Memory of Cassie Clinger” on GoFundMe. In addition, a Facebook auction group has been created titled “Caring for Cassie.” Donated items from businesses and individuals will be auctioned off, with proceeds going toward Cassie’s family.
