Fremont Co. Has Worst Year On Record For Homicide

RIVERTON, Wyo. (AP) — Fremont County just had its worst year on record for homicides.

The county had 23 homicides in 2011, up from nine in 2010 and the previous high of 14 each in 2008 and 2009.

County Coroner Ed McAuslan says last year's number could yet go higher based on ongoing tests and investigations.

The Riverton Ranger (http://www.dailyranger.com/) reports that 16 of the 23 homicides in Fremont County last year involved motor vehicle crashes.

They include a head-on crash that killed five people just after midnight on Nov. 10. Authorities ruled the crash a murder-suicide.

A 17-year-old caused the crash by driving into a minivan carrying four people. Investigators determined that he was having personal problems and was suicidal.