Casper Man Accused of Kidnapping, Assaulting Man He Allegedly Called ‘Snitch’

A 20-year-old Casper man faced an initial hearing Wednesday on charges that he kidnapped and assaulted a 26-year-old man, holding a pistol to his chest while accusing him of being a “snitch.” Michael Cody Odom is charged with aggravated kidnapping, use of a firearm to commit a felony, aggravated assault and battery, and witness tampering.

The alleged incident unfolded Friday morning when Casper police received a call about “scary guys” near South Walsh Drive. Officers found a 26-year-old man three blocks away on Trigood Drive who told them Odom and two other men—ages 39 and 43—had threatened him with a handgun and knife, according to an arrest affidavit.

The alleged victim told police he had prior “beef” with Odom over dating a mutual acquaintance. He said Odom had seen his “papers” and accused him of being a snitch—a reference to providing information to law enforcement.

The encounter escalated when Odom and the 43-year-old picked up the victim at the Flying J Travel Center. The group drove to Spring Hill Apartments, where the 39-year-old emerged with a woman and children. The victim was told “when you snitch that is what you take away.”

The three men circled the victim and pushed him down the street toward a secluded area. When bystanders stared, the 43-year-old retrieved his vehicle and a knife was produced, directing the victim inside. The 43-year-old reportedly told others, “I don’t think we should kill him.”

Inside the car, the 39-year-old held a knife to the victim’s side while Odom, in the front passenger seat, later produced a handgun and “held it against his chest,” the affidavit states. Odom said he wanted to “hit this lick”—rob him.

The victim lied, claiming he had $1,200 in Evansville. An argument ensued over who would kill him. Odom appeared “enthusiastic” about the prospect.

After the group exited the vehicle, Odom struck the victim repeatedly in the head. The victim backed up and tripped over a log. Frustrated, he asked, “Are we going to do this?” The group became distracted, and the victim escaped.

The 43-year-old told police Odom had a firearm in his backpack but said he never saw it pulled. He admitted Odom used a knife “to emphasize what he was saying.” The 39-year-old said Odom punched the victim a couple of times but denied seeing weapons.

Odom refused to speak with police. The two alleged accomplices have not been charged, though the investigation continues. Odom remains in the Natrona County jail on $70,000 bond.

Aggravated kidnapping carries a penalty of 20 years to life in prison. Other charges carry up to 10 years each.