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8 months ago
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Cellphone footage captured the moment a heroic Wyoming teen was fatally stabbed after defending his girlfriend from alleged attackers at a local mall.
Bobby Maher was stabbed to death at the Eastridge Mall in Casper, Wyoming, on April 7th at around 1.40pm.
Fellow Dominique Antonio Richard Harris and Jarreth Joseflee Sabastian Plunkett both 15, allegedly stabbed him twice in the stomach with a stolen kitchen knife.
The bloodthirsty teenagers, according to cops, were seeking revenge after Maher, who they knew, had called them 'freaks' a week earlier.
Robert Dean Maher, 14, (who went by Bobby) was captured by a witness' smart phone before being stabbed to death, and the Casper Police Department said in their report that the footage shows the late high schooler 'clearly did not want to fight'
Maher is pictured with a female friend in a tribute shared on Facebook after his death. It's unclear if she is one of the girls he was protecting when he died
On the day of the stabbing, police say Harris and Plunkett were following Maher's terrified girlfriend around the mall. She called him to tell him - and he raced to her defense.
While police say there is video of the brutal attack, it has not yet been released.
It is said to show Maher clearly telling the other boys that he does not want to fight, and reacting with 'that's not fair' when they pulled out their weapon.
'I don't play fair,' one of the teens is said to have replied.
Plunkett is charged with first-degree murder and is alleged to have asked one of Maher's friends if they wanted to pay his 'blood debt' before the killing.
Following his son's death, Maher's father, Robert, exclusively told the DailyMail.com, 'We want his name and legacy to live on,' adding that 'he truly was an angel.'
'Numerous families have reached out with stories of him protecting smaller kids at school from bullies we are devastated.'
Part of that reaching out has included the community starting a Facebook group promoting a candlelight vigil for Bobby and promoting 'Blue Hearts for Bobby.'
Many posted photos of bright blue lights on at their homes as a tribute, with blue having been Bobby's favorite color.
In addition to Plunkett's first-degree murder charge, he and Harris are being charged as adults with felonious conspiracy to commit murder, felonious aggravated assault and battery and a misdemeanor theft, as reported by Cowboy State Daily.
Plunkett faces a potential life sentence or even the death penalty if convicted on the murder charge.
Police responded to the scene after receiving a call about an unconscious boy outside the Hibachi Supreme Buffet in the mall.
An affidavit says Maher was stabbed twice during 'an altercation that just occurred.'
Witnesses told police the alleged assailants, who they said were called JJ and Dom, were wearing hooded balaclava-style masks.
Maher's heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: 'Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !'
Maher's friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him right outside the mall
A teen friend of Maher who accompanied him to the mall said they were there because Maher's girlfriend had called saying two males were following her and a friend around the mall.
'(Maher) then told (his girlfriend) that they were going to the mall to come and keep the girls safe,' police recorded.
After Maher located the girls at the mall, he reportedly 'kept telling JJ and Dom to leave,' per the police report.
The group then moved to the area outside the mall doors, where a physical fight ensued.
Maher's friend told police that Dom slammed Maher to the ground before JJ walked up and stabbed him.
According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them 'freaks' after he saw them go into a portal potty together
In a police interview, Plunkett reportedly said Maher told him to 'put the knife away, this isn't fair.'
Plunkett claimed that Jarreth replied: 'I don't fight fair.'
Maher's heartbroken father wrote on Facebook: 'Bobby Rest in Peace my baby I miss you so much Daddy was so proud of you and loved you so much so very much !
'We are so devastated nothing can bring you back we love you Bobby my neeners my jr you will never be forgotten! I am dying inside and out right now and will be forever.'
The friend said he did not know the attackers' last names, but that they all went to Dean Middle School together.
According to police interviews, there had been a previous incident at a park in Evansville between Maher and the suspects, who claimed he called them 'freaks' after he saw them go into a portal potty together.
Plunkett then allegedly asked one of Maher's friends if they wanted to pay Maher's 'blood debt.'
The pair also told police they had stolen the kitchen knives from Target before the deathly altercation.
Casper police has obtained video that reportedly shows Plunkett chasing Maher and yelling at him outside the mall entrance.
The affidavit states: 'Jarreth also told (Maher) to swing on him several times; however, (Maher) clearly did not want to fight as he is seen moving in a continuous backwards motion away from Jarreth.'
Maher appeared to be trying to get inside the mall, but was unable to 'due to numerous other juveniles gathering around.'
The inside area of the Eastridge Mall in Casper is pictured above
Flowers are left at memorials for Robert Dean Maher in Casper, Wyoming
'They were seen laughing and pointing as they ran through the parking lot while witnesses attempted first aid,' said Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson of the suspects.
Maher's family has launched a GoFundMe that has raised over $37,000 for funeral expenses.
'He has left behind his dad Robert, his mom Mary and his 3 brothers. He was an amazing son, brother, friend and teammate!' the page reads.
'Bobby loved his family and was not only an amazing kid in school but in general. He had such an amazing passion for playing basketball.
'We are heartbroken and will never be the same without him. Any help will be greatly appreciated by his family.'
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