Second Wyoming Airman Charged with Manslaughter in Tragic Fatal Shooting

Cheyenne, Wyoming – In a deeply concerning development, a second Airman from Wyoming’s F.E. Warren Air Force Base has been accused of involuntary manslaughter within the span of a single month, following a tragic fatal shooting. This latest incident casts a somber shadow over the base community and raises critical questions regarding firearm safety and responsibility among service members.

Airman 1st Class Christopher David Schreck, 20, now faces charges in connection with the death of fellow Airman 1st Class Seth Daniel Michael, 21.

The fatal shooting occurred on August 3 at Schreck's off-base apartment in Cheyenne. Authorities confirmed that Michael tragically succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the head.

According to investigative reports, Schreck informed detectives that the shooting was purely accidental. He claimed he was attempting to clear a round from a pistol when the weapon unexpectedly discharged.

Crucially, Schreck stated he believed the firearm was unloaded at the time of the incident, a detail that underscores the tragic nature of the charge.

This latest case echoes an earlier, equally tragic event that occurred just weeks prior. On July 19, Airman 1st Class Christopher Steven Charles, also 20 and assigned to F.E.

Warren Air Force Base, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Senior Airman Ethan Kyle Mitchell, 20. While specific details of that shooting have not been publicly detailed, both incidents involve airmen from the same base and result from fatal gunshot wounds, leading to similar involuntary manslaughter accusations.

Laramie County District Attorney Sylvia Hackl has confirmed the charges in both separate cases, emphasizing the gravity of the situations.

Under Wyoming law, involuntary manslaughter carries a severe maximum penalty of 20 years in state prison. Despite the serious nature of the charges, both Schreck and Charles have been released on bond pending their legal proceedings.

The occurrence of two such incidents involving airmen from the same installation in such close succession highlights the critical importance of strict adherence to firearm safety protocols, whether on or off base.

These unfortunate events serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise from even momentary lapses in judgment when handling firearms.