Two Star Valley residents dead in Freedom murder/suicide

AFTON — Two Star Valley residents are dead after an 8:00 a.m. shooting in which a man shot his wife and then shot himself, according to information provided by the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident took place on the Idaho side of the border near Freedom on Jackknife Road where more than a dozen law enforcement officers and other officials were on the scene. This included a Special Weapons and Tactics unit from the BCSO.

In a 911 call Bonneville County dispatchers received at 8:06 a.m., a man identified himself as 43-year old Christopher Moon. He indicated he had a gun and was going to take his own life.

Officials from Idaho and the BCSO were assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Star Valley Ambulance service.

Jackknife Rd. was closed at Stateline Rd west of the Wyoming border to the location of the scene. 

According to information from the BCSO, as deputies arrived to the area, two vehicles belonging to Christopher and his wife, 23-year old Cassandra Moon (also known as Cassie Clinger to many locally) were parked on the side of the road.

Deputies established brief contact with Christopher over the phone, attempting to convince him to surrender peacefully. Moments later, Christopher was observed using the gun to shoot himself. Deputies approached the vehicles, finding both Christopher and Cassandra deceased from apparent gunshot wounds.

Christopher Moon was listed as a resident of Afton and Cassandra Moon was a resident of Freedom.

Despite rumors to the contrary, officials state that there were no other people on the scene and no other injuries, including any of Cassie’s children. Deputies spent several hours collecting evidence from the scene. The investigation is still ongoing.

Again contrary to online rumors, there was no shelter in place order given, according to Lincoln County Sheriff Shane Johnson.

“Our hearts break for the family and friends of those affected by this tragic incident,” stated Lincoln County Sheriff Johnson. “We understand the desire to know what is going on and to share information with others. We do ask to please not share any information that you do not for certain is accurate and factual.… Our condolences and prayers go out to those who have been impacted by today’s events.”

In a statement posted to the Facebook group “We Are Not Alone,” Clinger’s mother Cynthia stated “I want you to know she did not take her own life. Her life was taken from us and her beautiful kids. Rest in paradise my beautiful beautiful girl.” The “We Are Not Alone” Facebook group was started by Cassie, as she opened up about her own mental health struggles in an effort to help others battling similar struggles.

Multiple fundraisers have also been created by members of the community to benefit Cassie’s family. A GoFundMe titled “In Memory of Cassie Clinger” has already raised over $8,000 as of 4:15 p.m.

Funds from the GoFundMe will go toward funeral and memorial expenses along with immediate and ongoing support for Cassie’s kids.

In addition a Facebook auction group has been created titled “Caring for Cassie.” Donated items from businesses and individuals will be auctioned off, with proceeds going toward Cassie’s family.

This story was posted on Jan. 21, 2026.