Off-Duty Federal Agent KILLS Innocent Man…

Federal BLM officer faces second-degree murder charges for applying a lethal chokehold to an innocent man during a Wyoming bar brawl, exposing dangerous overreach by off-duty feds.

Bar Fight Escalates to Tragedy

Recently, past 10 p.m., a fight erupted inside the Maverick Restaurant Lounge in Lander, Wyoming. Jesse Dollard, 21, pointed at Evan Denevan, prompting a verbal challenge. Justin Dollard, 54, approached and exchanged punches with Denevan in the crowded bar involving 8-10 participants, fueled by alcohol.

Richard Dollard intervened moments later, applying a rear-naked chokehold that restricted blood flow for 26-30 seconds. Denevan fell limp as Justin pulled his hood and kicked him. The Dollards then walked away without offering aid.

BLM law enforcement officer Richard "Deak" Dollard faces second-degree murder charges for the death of Lander resident Evan Denevan.

Lander police also arrested his brother, Justin Dollard, and nephew, Jesse Dollard, in connection with the fatal fight. https://t.co/byMhpnRlBI

— WyoFile (@WyoFile) January 14, 2026

Federal Officer Applies Lethal Training Off-Duty

Richard Dollard, a 53-year-old BLM field officer, used a restraint technique from his law enforcement training during this civilian altercation. Family members claimed Dollard aimed to de-escalate and protect relatives, but surveillance video captured the prolonged hold. Justin Dollard pulled Denevan’s hood in the opposite direction, worsening the restraint. Witnesses uniformly stated “Deak choked him,” confirming Dollard’s central role. This off-duty application raises alarms about federal agents wielding deadly skills in bar fights without accountability.

The Lander Police Department secured the restaurant as a crime scene. Bystanders initiated CPR on Denevan, but first responders found no pulse and pronounced him dead at the scene. The incident contrasts with on-duty police cases, highlighting risks when federal training enters private disputes among family members.

Charges Filed Without Federal Immunity

Prosecutors from the Fremont County Attorney’s Office, alongside Lander Police and the Wyoming Department of Criminal Investigation, announced charges on January 13, 2026. Richard Dollard faces second-degree murder. Justin Dollard and Jesse Dollard face accessory before the fact to second-degree murder or manslaughter charges. All three remain in custody as of January 15, with no trial date set. Dollard invoked his right to an attorney after a partial interview; others provided limited statements.

Investigators cited a comprehensive probe including video footage, witness interviews, and probable cause affidavits detailing the chokehold mechanics. Detective Patrick noted that the 26-27-second duration was exacerbated by pulls from Justin. This aggressive charging by local authorities bypasses potential federal protections and prioritizes justice over badge status.

Chokehold Precedents Demand Scrutiny

Rear naked chokeholds have drawn national criticism since Eric Garner’s 2014 death by the NYPD, prompting New York’s Anti-Chokehold Act, which provides up to 15 years imprisonment for causing injury or death. Several states restrict or ban them outside deadly force scenarios, while federal agencies like ICE and DHS prohibit their use, yet report violations without consistent punishment. This case echoes non-police incidents, testing off-duty liability for federal personnel.

Short-term implications include BLM internal reviews of training protocols and community erosion of trust in law enforcement. Long-term, proceedings may spur policy audits on chokehold applications by federal agents, aligning Wyoming’s stance with precedents demanding restraint in non-lethal civilian encounters. Denevan’s family pursues justice amid Lander’s small-town shock.