GILLETTE, WY – A Wyoming teenager who was initially charged with attempted first-degree murder for stabbing his mother while she slept is set to plead guilty to a lesser offense.

The case revolves around Tharles Smith, who was 17 at the time of the incident in June 2024. Smith allegedly stabbed his mother, Karla Smith, as a culmination of ongoing family conflicts over his behavior and disregard for household rules. Concerns had escalated to a point where Tharles reportedly threatened his mother, claiming he would wait until he was older and stronger to carry out his threats.

Originally, Tharles Smith was slated to be tried as an adult. His legal representation sought a delay to allow for a mental health evaluation, reflecting the complex nature of the case and Smith’s mental well-being.

Now 18, Tharles Smith has agreed to plead guilty to attempted second-degree murder, which reflects the seriousness of his actions while taking into account his mental health evaluation and age at the time of the incident.

The family’s ordeal had been building over several years, marked by repeated threats of violence by Tharles toward his parents and troubling behavior that included animal cruelty. His mother, Karla, had previously attempted to address these issues by having him institutionalized, but this intervention appeared to intensify his anger rather than ameliorate it.

The events of June 10, 2024, were a turning point. Convinced his parents were trying to expel him from their home, a furious Tharles took a kitchen knife and attacked his mother as she slept. His response to Karla’s confusion over her injuries was blunt, informing her of the stabbing.

Karla endured significant injuries, resulting in two broken ribs, a pierced scapula, and a collapsed lung, which required intensive care. Her survival was described by medical professionals as fortunate.

In the aftermath, a GoFundMe campaign was created to help Karla with her medical expenses. Additionally, she financially benefited from raffling off her son’s pig, illustrating the family’s dire need for support during this harrowing time.

With his guilty plea to the lesser charge, Tharles Smith is scheduled for sentencing later this year, bringing some closure to a case that has deeply affected his family.