Cheyenne police investigate in-custody death of 22-year-old man
Editor’s note: The following story contains details about a suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling or experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is available. You can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Support is available 24/7, and reaching out can make a difference.
CHEYENNE — The Cheyenne Police Department is investigating an in-custody death that occurred early Sunday morning on the city’s south side.
According to a CPD news release, around 1:17 a.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of West Ninth Street and Deming Drive near Optimist Park. Upon arrival, officers located a maroon pickup truck parked on the sidewalk. The truck appeared to have struck a guardrail before coming to rest off of the roadway in a grassy area.
According to a review of body-worn camera and in-car camera video, officers began searching the surrounding area for the driver. During their search, they observed a man running along Deming Drive. Officers contacted the individual, and through their investigation, learned he was the owner of the truck, the release said.
The man, since identified by the Laramie County Coroner’s Office as 22-year-old Aiden Hall, showed signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming alcohol. He was detained, and prior to handcuffing, officers removed a pocket knife from his front pocket. Hall was then seated in a police car and transported back to the crash scene.
While Hall was secured in the police car, officers briefly stepped away to assess the crash scene and prepared to begin a driving under the influence investigation.
During this time, Hall was able to move his handcuffed hands from behind his body to the front of his body and retrieve a concealed firearm from inside his pants. Upon return to the vehicle, officers discovered he had used the firearm to take his own life.
Officers began to administer first aid and continued until medical personnel arrived. Hall was later pronounced deceased on scene.
“This is a tremendous loss for the decedent’s family and loved ones,” said Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco. “Any in-custody death is a matter of deep concern for our department — this is never the intended outcome when officers respond to moments of crisis. Our officers approached this situation with patience and compassion, with the intent of helping the individual. We are thoroughly evaluating what occurred and will take appropriate steps based on that review.”
Laramie County Coroner Rebecca Reid echoed the chief’s sentiments.
“On behalf of the Laramie County Coroner’s Office, I extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Hall’s family as they mourn the loss of their loved one,” she said in a news release.
This story was published on Jan. 24, 2026.