PINEDALE, WY – Two young men from Wyoming are facing serious charges after allegedly murdering and mutilating a 23-year-old man they falsely accused of being a pedophile.
Rowan Henry Littauer, 19, has been charged with first-degree murder and body mutilation, while Orion Schlesinger, 18, is charged with conspiracy to murder and theft following the death of Dakota Farley.
The chilling events unfolded after the Sublette County Sheriff’s Office received a disturbing series of text messages on February 5 alleging Farley was murdered with a bow and arrows, although there is no substantiated evidence suggesting Farley was involved in any inappropriate conduct.
An affidavit reveals that, upon questioning, Littauer admitted to authorities that he shot Farley with a bow and arrows. Using his phone’s map application, Littauer guided detectives to the crime scene at Farley’s home. He alleged Schlesinger was present at the time of the murder.
When authorities reached Farley’s residence in Pinedale, a town situated roughly 350 miles from Cheyenne, they discovered Farley deceased, face down on his living room floor. Noteworthy was the absence of blood in some wounds, suggesting a BB gun was used after Farley’s death.
The investigation uncovered that Littauer and Schlesinger purportedly plotted to kill Farley on February 1. Littauer allegedly prepared a compound bow, broadhead-tipped arrows, and a BB gun before the pair walked over a mile to Farley’s home. It remains unclear whether Farley was acquainted with the suspects.
Reports indicate that Littauer fired an arrow into Farley, which pierced his arm and chest, leading to his almost instant death. Littauer is accused of further desecrating Farley’s body by discharging multiple BBs into his head. Schlesinger reportedly took Farley’s personal revolver during the incident.
Authorities have since recovered the weaponry linked to the crime, including the bow and BB gun. Both suspects remain in custody at the Sublette County Jail, held on a $5 million bond, and are expected to appear in court on February 13.
Farley’s obituary paints a picture of a vibrant young man who cherished outdoor activities and sports. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had completed a mission at Wyoming’s Kemmerer Stake. Known for his love of basketball, video games, rugby, and the outdoors, Farley’s life resonated with family and friends who mourn his untimely loss, particularly his fondness for fishing trips turned beach outings at Boulder Lake.