The short answer is no – as of 2026, both Wyoming and Oregon treat cannibalism as illegal, either directly through statutes that criminalize the act or indirectly via homicide, desecration of a corpse, and health‑code violations. While no state has a stand‑alone “cannibalism” law, the combination of murder, abuse of a dead body, and public health statutes makes the practice prosecutable in both jurisdictions.
Wyoming’s Legal Framework
Wyoming’s criminal code does not contain a specific “cannibalism” provision, but the act is covered by several statutes. Wyoming Stat. § 6‑5‑101 makes it a felony to kill another person, and § 6‑5‑401 criminalizes the mutilation of a human body. The state’s health regulations (Wyoming Administrative Code 115‑10‑101) forbid the consumption of human flesh, classifying it as a public health hazard. In practice, prosecutors have charged defendants with murder, abuse of a corpse, and violations of health statutes when cannibalistic conduct is discovered.
Oregon’s Legal Framework
Oregon similarly lacks a distinct cannibalism statute. Under ORC 163.115, murder is punishable by up to life imprisonment, and ORC 166.075 makes it a crime to improperly dispose of or tamper with a dead body. Oregon’s health and safety laws (ORS 465‑010) prohibit the handling of human remains for consumption, labeling it a violation of sanitation standards. Courts have historically treated cannibalism cases as aggravated murder combined with abuse of a corpse, leading to severe sentencing.
Overlapping Criminal Elements
Both states rely on the following elements to secure convictions:
- Homicide – the death of a victim, whether consensual or not, triggers murder statutes.
- Abuse of a Corpse – statutes specifically outlaw the mutilation or desecration of human remains.
- Public Health Violations – regulations that forbid the ingestion of human tissue, providing additional misdemeanor or felony charges.
Because each element can be proven independently, prosecutors have flexibility in building a case even when the defendant claims consent.
Public Policy and Ethical Considerations
Legislators in Wyoming and Oregon have consistently emphasized the protection of human dignity and public health. Lawmakers argue that allowing any form of cannibalism would erode societal norms, create a market for illegal body parts, and pose serious disease risks. The lack of a dedicated statute reflects a policy choice to address the conduct through existing, well‑tested criminal provisions rather than create a novel law that could be misapplied.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does consent from the victim make cannibalism legal?
No. Even if the victim consents, the act still satisfies murder or homicide statutes because the law treats the taking of a life as a crime regardless of consent. Additionally, abuse‑of‑corpse provisions apply independently of consent.
Could a person be charged only with a health‑code violation?
While health‑code violations exist, they are normally pursued alongside homicide or corpse‑abuse charges. A standalone health citation is rare because the underlying criminal conduct is more serious.
Are there any historical cases that set precedent?
Yes. The 2012 “Alaskan cannibal” case was prosecuted in Alaska under homicide statutes; Wyoming and Oregon have cited that case in legal memoranda to illustrate how existing statutes can be applied.
What are the potential penalties?
Penalties can include life imprisonment for first‑degree murder, additional years for abuse of a corpse, and fines or misdemeanor charges for health‑code violations. In Wyoming, a combined sentence can exceed 30 years; Oregon’s sentencing guidelines allow similar cumulative terms.
If a body is found after cannibalistic acts, can the remains be returned to the family?
Both states permit the return of remains after forensic examination, but the process is subject to court orders and may be delayed due to the need for evidence collection and autopsy.
In summary, while neither Wyoming nor Oregon has a law labeled “cannibalism,” the practice is unequivocally illegal under a web of homicide, corpse‑abuse, and public health statutes, ensuring that any such act will be met with serious criminal consequences.