I cannot think of anything more dangerous than two individuals who would gather supplies, make a plan and march over one mile in winter … to kill a man in his home.”

Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich

PINEDALE — Emotions ran high inside the Sublette County Circuit Court Friday afternoon as family, friends and coworkers of slain Big Piney man Dakota Farley sat through the initial appearance hearing of the two men charged with killing him. Following an impassioned argument by Sublette County Attorney Clayton Melinkovich, Judge John LaBuda set the bond amount for Rowan Littauer, 19, and Orion Schlesinger, 18, at $5 million cash, each. 

Dakota Farley was killed on February 2.

A donation bucket for Dakota Farley's funeral expenses is set up at his place of employment, Fast Stop in Big Piney.

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Littauer is charged with first degree murder and mutilation of a dead human body and Schlesinger is charged with conspiracy to commit first degree murder and felony theft of a firearm that belonged to Farley.

Appearing via video from separate rooms at the Sublette County Detention Center, the two former students of Big Piney High School wore matching orange jumpsuits and thick rimmed glasses. Littauer smiled and laughed as he spoke with someone off screen before the hearing began. Schlesinger sat stoically. 

Farley’s parents and coworkers from Fast Stop Big Piney sobbed and held each other as a visibly emotional Melinkovich argued the “proof” in the murder case against Littauer and Schlesinger, “is evident and the presumption of guilt great.” 

Melinkovich explained to the court that Littauer bragged to someone about what he’d done to Farley on or about February 2. That person “found it necessary to tell someone and the investigation began from there.”

The county attorney described how deputies arrived at Farley’s home on South Mickelson Street in Big Piney to find the 23-year-old, “having been impaled by a hunter’s arrow, a compound bow.” 

Farley was shot with the compound bow and two broad-head arrows through his right arm and into his chest, “resulting in his nearly instantaneous death.” His body was mutilated post-mortem, inflicted with approximately eight BBs. He wasn't discovered until days later, on February 5. A warrant issued at Littauer’s residence on February 5 resulted in the seizure of a black compound bow, black arrows, roadbed arrow tips and a BB gun pistol.

A father himself, Melinkovich’s voice broke slightly as he reminded the court that the two teens are charged with capital offenses punishable by death. 

Littauer and Schlesinger relocated to Big Piney in the last year-and-a-half or two years. Melinkovich said they, “came here, were welcomed here and welcomed into a school setting where they could continue their education and were met with patience. They were met with a community who saw they needed help after what was likely a traumatic upbringing.” 

Their ties to Sublette County are not strong enough to keep them from fleeing, Melinkovich argued. He continued, “I cannot think of anything more dangerous than two individuals who would gather supplies, make a plan and march over one mile in winter … to kill a man in his home.” 

As Melinkovich argued that neither defendant should be granted bond, the two teens finally started to appear emotional. “However, if the court wishes to set bond, it should be set at $1 million cash, each,” the attorney concluded. 

At his words, Littauer grabbed the back of his head with both his hands and doubled over into his lap. Schlesinger began to hyperventilate and cry. Their responses were so visceral, it’s unclear if they even registered Judge LaBuda’s decision to set their bond at $5 million cash, each.

A probable cause hearing for Littauer and Schlesinger is set for Thursday, February 13.

A funeral for Farley is planned for Friday, February 14. 

Littauer told the court his grandma would be hiring an attorney for him. Schlesinger asked for the paperwork to apply for a public defender.