Opinion ID: 171731
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Underlying Offense and State Court Proceedings

Text: During the spring of 1998, the victim in this case contacted Mr. DeShazer after her recent divorce. The two, who were former childhood friends, began to interact via telephone and e-mail. Their relationship progressed, and in July 1998 Mr. DeShazer, who was living in Wisconsin, spent a month at her home in Wyoming. The victim then learned that her sister was ill and began to fly frequently to Las Vegas to visit her. At this point, she told Mr. DeShazer that the relationship would not work. Mr. DeShazer continued, however, to contact her by telephone and e-mail, despite her pleas that he stop. In December 1998, he hand delivered a note and left it in her mailbox. The note included this passage: Sorry I missed you. I hope to hear from you by January 10. Otherwise, perhaps you will see me when I return. After the note, some time passed without incident. On January 5, 2000, however, Mr. DeShazer loaded his vehicle with various guns, duct tape, and other supplies and set out to the victim's home. As he attempted to burst through her front door, she heard him and retrieved a gun she had obtained for this very situation. During the ensuing confrontation, a neighbor knocked on the door, and the victim was able to escape and call the police. Mr. DeShazer was arrested about an hour later near Gillette, Wyoming. In the car, the police found, among other inculpatory items, a digital recording on which Mr. DeShazer said he intended to seek retribution from the victim for destroying his life. Mr. DeShazer was charged in Wyoming state court with attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault and battery, and aggravated burglary. Shortly thereafter, he was indicted in federal district court on one count of interstate stalking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2261A, and one count of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(ii). The federal charges were deferred pending resolution of the state charges. Mr. DeShazer was found guilty on the state charges, but while awaiting sentencing he was diagnosed with delusional and depressive disorders. The Wyoming State Hospital informed the state trial court that his delusional disorder was well controlled by his current medication, but that he had been legally incompetent during the trial. Mr. DeShazer was then taken into federal custody for further evaluation that could be used in the state sentencing proceedings.