‘How the f— is it my fault?
Inset: Evan J. Kirkendall (Casper Police Dept.). Background: The area in Casper, Wyoming, where Kirkendall nearly killed a 17-year-old boy last year (Google Maps).
A 20-year-old Wyoming man has been sentenced to as much as 10 years in prison for ambushing and stabbing a 17-year-old former friend whom he viewed as a romantic rival.
Natrona County District Judge Catherine Wilking on Thursday sentenced Evan Jason Kirkendall to eight to 10 years in a Wyoming state correctional facility for the attack, which left the teenage victim with multiple stab wounds to the torso. Kirkendall received credit for 209 days already served.
In October 2025, Kirkendall entered a cold plea to one count of aggravated assault and battery. By entering the plea, he accepted responsibility without reaching a sentencing agreement with prosecutors, leaving the punishment entirely up to the court.
Court records show that shortly after 7 p.m. on March 21, 2025, a juvenile called 911 to report that his friend had been stabbed at Kirkendall’s residence in the 1000 block of North Park Street. The caller said the injured teen had been placed in a vehicle and was being transported to a local hospital.
Kirkendall also contacted emergency dispatchers, admitting that he had stabbed someone inside his home and claiming he acted in self-defense. He told responders the victim had tried to attack him. When police arrived, Kirkendall repeated that claim, saying the stabbing occurred after the victim entered his house.
Investigators later determined the incident followed a heated phone argument earlier that day. During the exchange, Kirkendall repeatedly insulted the victim’s girlfriend, who had previously dated Kirkendall. At one point, Kirkendall challenged the victim to come to his home, telling him to “come do something about it.”
Surveillance footage from inside the home, shown during the sentencing hearing, contradicted Kirkendall’s self-defense claims. According to investigators, the video showed Kirkendall already holding a knife as he encouraged the victim to enter the house. Moments later, the two were seen struggling as they moved back outside, where Kirkendall stabbed the victim twice in the torso.
During a police interview, Kirkendall blamed the victim for the incident, insisting it was not his fault because the victim came to his home. Prosecutors, however, argued the evidence showed the attack was planned.
Natrona County Chief Deputy District Attorney Blaine Nelson said the footage demonstrated that Kirkendall intentionally lured the victim inside with the knife already open and ready. Prosecutors also stated that Kirkendall later bragged about setting up the encounter.
The victim’s mother addressed the court during the sentencing hearing, describing the emotional toll on her family and the fear she felt while her son was hospitalized and his survival was uncertain.
“That’s never an option a parent should have to consider,” she told the court.
Kirkendall also spoke at the hearing, apologizing to the victim and his family. He said he was struggling with post-traumatic stress at the time of the stabbing, citing a recent home invasion in which he was assaulted while sleeping.
“I am sorry for the pain I have caused,” Kirkendall said, adding that he accepted responsibility for his actions and felt deep shame over what he had done.
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