County authorities identify Reliance homicide suspect

The Sweetwater County Sheriff's Office and Sweetwater County Attorney's Office have announced the identity of the suspect charged with the murder of 30-year-old Colter Watsabaugh last month in Reliance.

William Thomas Brewer, 32, of Rock Springs, was initially arrested during the early morning hours of Monday, July 17 on an outstanding bench warrant, less than 24 hours after county deputies and detectives discovered Watsabaugh's body, according to the press release.

Watsabaugh's death was ruled a homicide, and Brewer has remained in police custody at the county jail on unrelated charges since his arrest.

County authorities are not releasing further details about Watsabaugh's death, citing the integrity of active and ongoing investigation.

"Brewer now faces official charges of first degree murder and concealing a dead body," the press release states. "Given his criminal history, he also faces a sentencing enhancement for habitual offenders. If convicted, Brewer could serve life in prison, life in prison without parole or death."

Watsabaugh, of Teton County, was found by passersby near a dirt side-road in Reliance the afternoon of July 16. He had been living and working in Rock Springs prior to his death, according to a previous sheriff's office press release.

Other agencies assisting with the homicide investigation include the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation.