Fantasy Football League Becomes Life and Death in Red Lodge

One man is dead, another faces life in prison for November 2023 shooting

By Denise Rivette

On December 18 in Carbon County District Court before the Honorable Matthew J. Wald, Travis Morgan Sherrod (Defendant) of Red Lodge appeared in person and pleaded not guilty to a charge of Felony Deliberate Homicide arising from the death of Rehn Peterson III in Red Lodge on November 21, 2023. The State was represented by Carbon County Attorney Alex Nixon and Defendant was represented by Nick Brooke.

According to court documents, at approximately 9:18 p.m. on November 21, 2023, a Red Lodge Police Department (RLPD) officer on patrol was dispatched to a shooting on North Bonner Avenue in Red Lodge. Defendant “called to report shooting an individual.” That individual was later identified as Rehn Peterson III.

Upon arrival at the Defendant’s home, the officer observed the Defendant holding his hands over his head and a body (later identified as Peterson) on the ground near the Defendant’s vehicle. The Defendant had placed a handgun on the vehicle. The officer secured the defendant and attempted to render aid to Peterson, but was unable to resuscitate the victim. “While administering CPR, (RLPD officer) observed what appeared to be two gunshot injuries to (Peterson).” Peterson was declared dead at the scene.

Although Defendant did request an ambulance when he called dispatch, he did not render aid to the victim despite later telling the responding officer that he had been a medic.

The incident started earlier in the evening over a fantasy football league that they both belonged to. After agreeing to speak with law enforcement, Defendant admitted the two had an ongoing argument and that Defendant had kicked Peterson out of the league for non-payment of dues. On the evening of the shooting, the two had been arguing over text with the Defendant at one point responding to the victim with “Lets go bring it” (sic). Afterwards, Defendant “had a feeling (Peterson) may come to his house.” Defendant stated he didn’t want Peterson to “(mess) with my dogs or truck” he later “added he was also concerned for his wife.”

Instead of calling law enforcement at that time he retrieved a handgun and waited for the victim, chambering a round after seeing the victim. “Defendant shot and killed (Peterson) when he approached.” Court records do not indicate how many shots were fired, but state victim’s “clothing indicated some of the shots occurred at very close range.” Defendant said he warned Peterson to leave before killing him.

Forensic testing indicated the victim had a blood alcohol content of 0.313 (in Montana one is considered impaired at 0.08 BAC) and THC level of 54 NG/ML (in Montana one is considered impaired with a THC level of 5 NG/ML).

Defendant was released on his own recognizance. An indictment is merely an accusation, and a defendant remains innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Red Lodge Police Department, Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation participated in the investigation.