Casper man receives life sentence for fatal knife attack

A Casper man was sentenced to 75 years to life in prison today at the Townsend Justice Center in Casper.

Judge Joshua Eames first heard from the defendant’s attorney, Valerie Schoneberger, before announcing the verdict.

This case stems from a 2021 investigation in which the decomposing body of Ryan Schroeder was found.

Justin Armando Marquez was arrested as a suspect and later convicted of joint murder for stabbing Schroeder 25 times and killing him.

Marquez’s aunt spoke at the sentencing and said Marquez was always gentle and caring with other children and was a good student. Marquez later studied to be a civil engineer and worked for the Wyoming Department of Transportation before moving to Casper to be closer to his family.

“What happened here does not reflect his character,” she said.

Marquez also addressed the court and apologized to the Schroeder family. He said Ryan was his friend and he loved him and he was truly relieved when police found his body.

The court then heard from the victim’s family. Ryan Schroeder’s daughter said that Marquez was not only a murderer but also a thief because he stole her family’s happiness and well-being.

Judge Eames affirmed this view, concluding that Marquez robbed his parents of a son, his sisters of a brother, and his children of a father. He also noted that Marquez deprived the family of the opportunity to bury Schroeder’s body with dignity.

A jury had previously rejected Marquez’s claim that the tragic murder was an act of self-defense.

Marquez will be credited with 10,001 days served so far.

“I hope you can give some purpose to your sentence,” concluded Judge Eames.