Ethan Grasse, 23, faces second-degree murder charges after fatally shooting his father, Michael Grasse, 49, in Uinta County, Wyoming, in November 2025. He argues self-defense following a day of efforts to prevent his intoxicated father from driving and subsequent threats. A judge rejected dismissing the case but allowed the claim at trial.
On November 21, 2025, Michael Grasse, 49, was drinking heavily and expressed intent to drive for food. His son, Ethan Grasse, 23, drove him to a restaurant, then parked his own car behind his father's to block it. Later, Michael moved trash cans to access his vehicle, prompting Ethan to warn of calling police. The father then physically attacked his son, but Michael's mother intervened to stop the fight. Ethan left for a friend's house seeking a place to stay, bought a locking doorknob at Walmart, and returned to find his father passed out. He took the keys and phone, emptied whiskey bottles, installed the new lock, and went to bed. Around 10 p.m., Michael banged on the door, threatening to break it and 'kick [his] a—.' Ethan offered to return the items once sober. At 10:44 p.m., Ethan texted his grandmother: 'He just woke up i can hear him threatening me throught [sic] the wall not to make you more sad but if he tries to break into my room i will defend myself love you yaya have a good night.' At 3:30 a.m. on November 22, banging resumed. Without his glasses, Ethan retrieved a .22-caliber handgun and fired at least three shots through the door. He then called 911, stating he aimed to defend against an unknown intruder. Michael died at a hospital at 4:22 a.m. In Uinta County District Court, Judge James Kaste denied the defense's motion to dismiss on self-defense grounds but permitted arguing it at trial, set for May 12. Ethan remains in Uinta County Jail.