A 57-year-old Wyoming man has been arrested in connection with the death of his 2-month-old granddaughter, who authorities say died inside a sweltering trailer filled with bugs, drugs, and human waste. Travis Study allegedly told investigators that caring for the infant amounted to "normal grandpa stuff," according to court documents.
Background
The infant victim was found unresponsive on July 6 at approximately 9:45 a.m., according to police reports. Her mother, 22-year-old Destynie Study, told investigators she had fed and changed her daughter around 1:30 a.m. that morning before discovering the child in her crib unresponsive hours later. She drove the baby to Three Rivers Hospital while calling 911.
At the hospital, authorities reported an "overwhelming smell of body odor, urine and feces" emanating from both Destynie Study and the room where she was located, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Cowboy State Daily.
Investigators said a similar putrid odor emanated from the victim's body. Her diaper was described as "completely saturated in urine" and contained at least one live insect, court documents state.
The Wyoming Department of Family Services and Manderson police had reportedly contacted the family four times since April over concerns about living conditions, malnutrition, and missed medical appointments for the children. When caseworkers and police attempted to make contact with Travis Study in June, he allegedly told them to "get the f— off his property and never come back," according to the Cowboy State Daily.
The Investigation
Agents searched the trailer later on July 6 and recovered a 5-gallon bucket containing human waste. The infant's crib was similarly saturated in urine and feces, authorities said. The trailer reportedly had no running water or sewage disposal system, and investigators measured the temperature inside at approximately 95 degrees.
Authorities also allegedly recovered more than 20 grams of marijuana and a glass pipe containing residue that tested positive for methamphetamine from the residence.
When agents requested to take Destynie Study's cellphone as evidence, Travis Study allegedly threatened that it would be "a bad day" for anyone who came to his home in connection with the investigation, according to the affidavit.
The Charges
Travis Study is facing one felony count of endangering a child through exposure to methamphetamine, along with misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment, endangering a child, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana. He is currently being held in the Big Horn County Detention Center on $75,000 cash-only bond.
Destynie Study faces misdemeanor charges of reckless endangering and endangering a child. Both defendants allegedly told investigators that Travis Study regularly helped care for the victim and her 1-year-old sibling when Destynie Study was not home.
Key Takeaways
- The 2-month-old infant died on July 6 inside a trailer in Wyoming with no running water or sewage system
- Investigators measured the temperature inside the trailer at approximately 95 degrees
- Authorities found human waste, drug paraphernalia, and over 20 grams of marijuana during the search
- Child welfare authorities had contacted the family four times since April regarding living conditions
- Travis Study allegedly described his care for the children as "normal grandpa stuff"
- Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges
What's Next
A preliminary hearing date has not yet been set for either Travis Study or Destynie Study, according to Big Horn County court records. Both defendants remain out of custody pending further proceedings—Travis Study on the $75,000 cash-only bond from the Big Horn County Detention Center, and Destynie Study's bond conditions were not detailed in available court documents.
The 1-year-old sibling mentioned in the affidavit remains in state custody under the supervision of the Wyoming Department of Family Services. The department has not publicly disclosed whether reunification with a parent or placement with relatives is being considered as the case proceeds.
Prosecutors have not indicated whether they intend to pursue additional charges against either defendant as the investigation continues. Court officials noted that misdemeanor preliminary hearings in Big Horn County Justice of the Peace Court typically occur within 30 days of arraignment, though scheduling depends on case volume and court availability.