Jury finds man guilty of second-degree murder for killing sister

GILLETTE (WNE) — On Monday, a jury found Vincent Hackett, 27, guilty of second-degree murder in the Jan. 20 shooting death of his 33-year-old half-sister, Haleigh Martinez. 

The jury delivered the verdict at about 5 p.m. Monday after deliberating that afternoon. Both sides rested Friday and made their closing arguments Monday afternoon. 

Hackett and his defense team argued that he shot Martinez in self-defense after she broke into his home. 

By finding Hackett guilty of second-degree murder, the jury is saying that he purposely and maliciously, but without premeditation, killed Martinez. 

A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled. In Wyoming, second-degree murder carries a penalty of 20 years to life in prison. 

Police responded to the 600 block of Carey Avenue at about 8 p.m. Jan. 20 after a neighbor heard a gunshot.

Hackett had called 911 and told the dispatcher that he had shot his sister.

Inside the home, they found Martinez, who had been shot three times, including once in the head. EMS responded and took Martinez to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead half an hour after the initial call came in.

This story was published on Dec. 16, 2025.