Man Arraigned in Rafter J Shooting

By Gil Brady, 9-12-07

	Caption: "Shooting suspect Randall Cosgrove of Jackson"/Courtesy of the Teton County Jail

JACKSON, Wyo. – A man arrested and booked Monday on attempted first-degree murder, for allegedly shooting his girlfriend’s son in the shoulder before dawn that day, now faces two lesser felony counts arising from a reported domestic violence incident.

Also on Wednesday, bail for Randall Craig Cosgrove of Jackson was set at $50,000 in 9th Circuit Court here.

Looking grizzled but alert, Cosgrove, 47, sat shackled about the waist in a yellow jumper. Rocking back in his seat, between two other defendants arraigned on unrelated charges, Cosgrove flashed a smile at an older, gray-haired woman dressed in a black embroidered jacket.

Cosgrove faces one count of aggravated assault and battery, and one count of attempted aggravated assault and battery. Each felony carries up to 10 years in jail and $10,000 in fines. 

Before moving on to bail, the court advised the laidback defendant of his rights to remain silent, obtain an attorney and challenge witnesses and evidence against him.

“Can’t afford one,” Cosgrove responded when Circuit Court Judge Timothy C. Day asked if he planned on hiring a lawyer. The judge informed the defendant he could apply to the Public Defender’s Office for legal representation.

Day also told Cosgrove that he could not enter a plea of innocent or guilty in his court. But, the judge added, he was entitled to a hearing to determine if sufficient evidence existed to bind him over for trial in District Court.

Investigator Gaylen Merrel of the Teton County Sheriff’s Office said on Tuesday that the incident appeared to be related to a domestic quarrel in the Rafter J subdivision before dawn Monday.

Cosgrove admitted to firing a .45 caliber handgun at another man, Merrel’s sworn affidavit in the case states. Authorities say the victim moved back home last week with his biological mother and Cosgrove. 

Early Monday morning, an argument erupted and deputies intervened just before 1 a.m., court documents state. Upon placing Joseph Hansen, 42, in a cab to spend the evening at a friend’s home, the incident appeared to be resolved. But the dispute reportedly reignited after Hansen returned before 5 a.m. to “reconcile.”

Investigators say when Hansen returned “the situation deteriorated to (the) point that Cosgrove collected a pistol and admittedly fired one shot directly at Hansen.”

Court documents and officials say evidence suggests at least four shots fired. One slug found a wall; another, the seat to Hansen’s car. A third bullet stuck the victim’s left shoulder, who authorities say left the scene in his car.

Hansen was found asleep behind the wheel at a friend’s house about 6 hours later. Detectives say he was taken to the hospital with non-lethal injuries and later released.

During Cosgrove’s bail hearing, Teton County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Clark Allan argued that Cosgrove’s bond should be set at $25,000. Allan alleged that the excessive amount of alcohol reportedly involved in the case, coupled with the defendant’s long DUI rapsheet, warranted bail being set at that amount.

Cosgrove did not deny Allan’s allegations in court Wednesday.

“At first glance, it looks like you have a substantial history,” Day said before setting bail at $50,000 and instructing Cosgrove to submit to an alcohol and drug screening pending his release from jail.

Followed outside of court by two reporters seeking comment, the gray-haired, well-dressed woman stopped to answer them.

“There’s all these allegations in the paper before anyone even knows what’s going on!” she bristled, while shaking the local newspaper in disgust. Smiling at one reporter before leaving, the defendant’s girlfriend added, “I know you’re just doing your job.”

Asked following the hearing if he agreed with Day setting bail higher than he had asked, Allan said, “I’m happy with what the judge did. He’s a good judge.”

As of Wednesday, Cosgrove’s next court appearance had not yet been set.