Wyoming man sentenced 3rd time for role in murder

SHERIDAN, Wyo. (AP) - A juvenile who was originally sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for his role in the home-invasion killing of a Sheridan businessman now has the opportunity to seek parole in a case that led to the revision of Wyoming sentencing guidelines for juveniles.

Wyatt Bear Cloud, now 20, twice appealed earlier sentences for his role in the 2009 death of Robert Ernst.

The U.S. Supreme Court banned mandatory life sentences for juvenile offenders in 2012. In response, a Wyoming judge resentenced Bear Cloud last summer to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years for the killing, but added another 10 years in prison for burglary and conspiracy charges.

In 2013, state law was changed to say juveniles convicted of murder will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years unless they commit further crimes in prison. Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court ordered Bear Cloud's sentences to run concurrently.

Bear Cloud was resentenced Tuesday by 4th District Judge John Fenn based on orders from the second appeal, the Sheridan Press (http://bit.ly/1CyLAdL) reported. Bear Cloud was given credit for the nearly 5 1/2 years he has already served.

Co-defendant Dharminder Sen, who was 15 when he shot Ernst, also was initially sentenced to life in prison. The Wyoming Supreme Court has ordered that he be resentenced as well. Court officials say a resentencing date has not been scheduled.

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Information from: The Sheridan (Wyo.) Press, http://www.thesheridanpress.com/