Jody Renee Cobia dies in fatal Casper shooting

Jody Renee Cobia dies in fatal Casper shooting

Fatal Casper shooting death of Jody Renee Cobia – Obituary

In the early hours of Monday morning, a 37-year-old woman, Jody Renee Cobia, was fatally shot during a police response at a residence in Casper, Wyoming.

Initially, authorities from the Casper Police Department and the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation did not release her identity, but her estranged husband, Aren Cobia, confirmed to Cowboy State Daily that it was his wife who was killed.

Standing at the doorway of the home on South McKinley Street later that morning, Aren Cobia stated there was no intruder and insisted, “the cops shot her.”

This information was later officially verified by the Natrona County Coroner’s Office, which confirmed Jody Renee Cobia as the deceased. The coroner’s office noted that further details would be made available once the investigation progresses.

Public records show the McKinley Street residence was listed under both Jody and Aren Cobia, although court documents indicate the couple separated in July 2024, and Aren had since moved to another address. He was granted custody of their three minor children.

According to a preliminary statement from the Casper Police Department, officers encountered a person armed with a gun shortly after arriving at the scene around 12:30 a.m.Shots were fired during the interaction, and the individual was transported to Wyoming Medical Center where they were later pronounced dead.

Police did not release additional details, directing further inquiries to the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

Commander Matt Waldock of the DCI said the investigation remains active and refrained from discussing specifics such as the weapon involved or whether the person shot was inside or outside the home.

Neighbors described the area as typically quiet. One neighbor, Debby Matlack, shared that a woman with children had moved into the house the previous year and mentioned prior issues concerning the children, who were later removed from the home.

Records indicate that divorce proceedings between Jody and Aren Cobia had been ongoing, with Jody being served divorce papers on April 14.

The Casper Police Department stated that, following standard procedure, officers involved in the incident have been placed on administrative leave. The chief of police requested that the DCI handle the investigation to ensure transparency.

An autopsy is pending, and authorities have confirmed that Jody Renee Cobia’s next of kin have been notified.