EVANSTON — A Lyman man charged with one count of first-degree murder has changed his plea from not guilty to not guilty due to mental illness. Skyler Gray, 36, changed his plea on Monday, Feb. 10, and the state will have 45 days to complete a mental health evaluation before Gray’s court appearance before District Court Judge James Kaste scheduled for May 9.

Gray has been accused of the Aug. 31, 2024, shooting death of Mountain View resident Jeremy Jaques. The fatal assault occurred in Fort Bridger during its annual mountain man rendezvous, though unrelated to the event. 

In related news, Gray’s wife Shadawn Oehler, 34, facing misdemeanor charges of accessory after the fact has decided to take her chances in front of a jury. Her trial is scheduled in Uinta County Circuit Court on June 4. If convicted, she faces up to six months in jail and/or $750 fine.

Oehler was charged after she allegedly told officers she’d thrown the gun out of the window shortly after the crime’s commission.

Gray is facing life in prison without parole or life imprisonment if convicted.