• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Digital News Updates
  • Home
  • News
  • Politics
  • Business

Sheridan Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Killing Montana Woman in Colorado

July 28, 2024

Casey Childers of Sheridan has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murder of Rachel Holeman, a Montana woman, in Colorado. Childers was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit second-degree kidnapping, according to Sheridan Media.

The case unfolded in November 2021 when Childers, Shantel Edlund (also from Sheridan), and Holeman, who was from Shepherd, Montana, traveled to the Denver area for what was intended to be a drug run. During this trip, Holeman went missing.

Aurora, Colorado police launched an investigation after Holeman’s phone went offline within their jurisdiction, and Childers and Edlund deactivated their own phones. Investigators discovered through Edlund’s Facebook messages that Holeman was supposed to meet with Edlund and Childers.

The meeting took place in the parking garage of Children’s Hospital in Aurora. Leo Vanbuskirk, also from Sheridan, became involved as he was at the hospital with his girlfriend and her sick child. During this meeting, Holeman was moved from one vehicle into Edlund’s vehicle, where Childers and Vanbuskirk were also present.

Edlund initially told investigators that the plan was to abandon Holeman in a remote area because they suspected she was trying to bypass Childers to contact a supplier. The location turned out to be just south of Franktown, southeast of Denver.

During the trip back to Sheridan, another individual reported that Childers had a violent outburst, admitting to killing Holeman. Her body was discovered on the morning of December 31, 2021. Police found a shell casing near the body, along with an empty handgun box and magazine. The coroner determined that Holeman died from a gunshot wound, ruling her death a homicide.

In addition to his life sentence, Childers received 32 years for kidnapping and 16 years for conspiracy, all to be served concurrently.

Vanbuskirk has pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder. As part of a plea deal, prosecutors will recommend a prison term of 10 to 32 years, though a judge could impose a different sentence. Vanbuskirk is scheduled for sentencing in mid-October.

Edlund has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit second-degree murder and is serving an 18-year prison sentence, followed by 5 years of parole.

By: DNU staff

Filed Under: News

Related Articles:

  • Attorney General Knudsen Files Opening Brief in US Supreme Court Case
  • Montana Historic Preservation Review Board to Meet in Big Timber
  • Governor Gianforte Launches Energy Task Force
  • Amber Potts Named Wyoming DEQ Air Quality Administrator
  • Secret Service spent $11 million on Hunter Biden travel detail
  • Auditor James Brown Joins Call for SEC to Investigate CCP-Linked Insurers

Primary Sidebar

Digital News Updates Logo

Recent News Posts

  • Sen. Hoeven to Host Air Force Secretary at 2025 UAS Summit & Expo
  • Montana Selected for National Policy Academy
  • North Dakota Launches $7.5 Million Grant Program to Advance Autonomous Agriculture
  • Wyoming Air National Guard to Host State’s Largest STEAM Experience

Recent Politics Posts

  • Daines Applauds DOI Move to Restore Multiple-Use, Boost Montana Timber Sales
  • Gov. Little Appoints Amanda Ulrich to Seventh Judicial District Judgeship
  • Sheehy’s Fire Ready Nation Act Passes Senate Unanimously
  • Daines Calls for Boosting Tribal Energy Development

Recent Business Posts

  • Governor Gianforte Welcomes Rivian as First Electric Vehicle Manufacturer in Montana
  • Montana State opens quantum computing facility
  • Warren Buffett Marks 95th Birthday With Reflection on Legacy, Berkshire’s Future
  • Montana Commerce Department Launches New Loan Program for Rural Businesses

Copyright © 2025 Digital News Updates, All Rights Reserved.