Casper Police Officers have arrested a Casper man for murder in the second-degree following a suspicious death investigation that began on January 13th, 2021.
Fifty-three-year-old Olinza Headd of Casper was arrested without incident on February 26th, 2021 for one recommended felony charge of murder in the second-degree.
The investigation began after Casper Police were called to an apartment complex in the 4700 block of Tranquility Way for a report of a suicide attempt. Officers were told that the reporting party heard a gunshot from her apartment and that her boyfriend, later identified by the Natrona County Coroner as Eugene Hogan III, was inside of the apartment alone. Upon arrival to the scene, first responders found Hogan inside with several apparent gunshot wounds. He was pronounced deceased on scene.
What unfolded over the next several hours and days was an extremely complex investigation including multiple involved parties. Throughout the duration of the investigation, Casper Police Officers remained vigilant and dedicated to the integrity of the investigative process.
While several pieces of evidence helped detectives come to a conclusion in their investigation, officers were greatly assisted by witnesses who bravely came forward to share information.
Officers ultimately learned that a family member of the deceased individual, Casper resident Olinza Headd, reportedly entered the apartment located on Tranquility Way the evening of January 13th with a firearm. Officers believe Headd then shot the victim, Eugene Hogan III, multiple times before leaving the apartment. Headd then left the scene.
Officers also learned, through witness accounts, that on January 17th, 2021, the suspect, Olinza Headd, reportedly publicly announced at his church that he had shot another man.
Along with multiple other pieces of evidence uncovered as a result of a thorough, detailed, and highly skilled investigation, Casper Police Officers identified Olinza Headd as the primary suspect in this crime and, with the collaboration of the Natrona County District Attorney’s Office, recommended the felony second-degree murder charge.
Officers believe this to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat to the public.
“This investigation yielded the highest level of professionalism in police services out of our extremely skilled team here at the Casper Police Department,” stated Casper Police Chief Keith McPheeters. “Many areas of the Department were used as integral resources in gathering information and evidence to reach a conclusion in this case. This investigation highlights the importance of our community’s role in helping to solve and prevent crimes. It is all of our responsibility to do our part to keep Casper the safe community we know and love. We commend the brave individuals who came forward to assist us with this case and thank the hard-working men and women of the Casper Police Department who put in countless hours – working all day and all night – to ensure those responsible would be brought to justice. Any loss of life in our community is tragic and our condolences are with the family of the deceased.”
The Casper Police Department is dedicated to the protection and safety of our community through the highest standards of professionalism in police services.