The man who allegedly shot and killed Richard Abeyta in Casper on Saturday evening was charged with one count of second-degree murder in Natrona County Circuit Court on Monday.

Charlie Mapp heard the charge read to him by Circuit Court Judge Brian Christensen, who said if convicted carries a sentence of 20 years to life behind bars.

Christensen also agreed to the $150,000 cash or surety bond recommended by Assistant District Attorney Randall Carnahan.

Mapp did not have an attorney present during the initial appearance.

Members Abeyta's family in the courtroom cried when the charge was announced. After the hearing, Abeyta's sister declined to comment as did victim witness coordinator Nancy Johnson.

Abeyta, 28, was at a gathering at a residence in the 400 block of North Washington Street, which is owned by a relative of Mapp, according to the police affidavit filed with the court.

The group had been drinking, and Abeyta argued with Mapp, accusing him of making advances on his girlfriend. Mapp told Abeyta not to push him, according to the affidavit.

There was no physical contact nor any threat made by Abeyta to Mapp. But Mapp went to his vehicle, retrieved a revolver, and shot Abeyta once in the head from a distance of six feet to eight feet, according to the affidavit.

Abeyta was taken to the Wyoming Medical Center, placed on life support, and died Sunday.

Monday, Mapp did not enter a plea. He will appear for a preliminary hearing within a couple of weeks when the state presents evidence that a crime probably was committed and the accused committed it. If a judge agrees, Mapp will be bound over to Natrona County District Court for trial.

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