What is known about the search for a former US soldier suspected of killing 4 at a Montana bar
Share this @internewscast.com

The search for a former U.S. soldier suspected of killing four individuals at a bar in Montana extended into a fourth day on Monday. Deputies are actively searching the mountainous area both by foot and air after the suspect fled in a stolen vehicle equipped with camping gear.

Authorities have identified the suspect as Michael Paul Brown, 45, who allegedly used a rifle, believed to be his personal weapon, to fatally shoot four people Friday morning at The Owl Bar in the small town of Anaconda. Following the incident, he escaped in a white pickup, which he later abandoned, then stole a vehicle containing clothing, shoes, and other equipment.

The victims included a female bartender and three male customers. This tragic event has unsettled the close-knit community of about 9,000, keeping residents vigilant as the suspect has yet to be captured.

Here’s what is known about the search.

How is the search progressing?

Law enforcement from across the state has been mobilized to aid in the search for Brown, according to Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen. The search effort includes various local, state, and federal agencies, utilizing both ground and aerial surveillance. Helicopters have been a constant presence over the weekend, as Anaconda’s residents adapt to life in the aftermath of the shooting.

The initial search efforts were focused near Stumptown Road, west of Anaconda. Knudsen noted that investigators are now exploring all potential clues regarding Brown’s whereabouts, including wooded areas where he is known to have hunted and camped in his earlier years. There are concerns he may be armed.

The woods southwest of Anaconda have been closed to the public by the National Forest System as the manhunt carries on.

On Friday, businesses secured their premises and took refuge with customers inside. Although the lockdown on the Stumptown Road area was lifted on Saturday, many local businesses have been slow to resume normal operations.

Who were the victims?

The victims were identified on Sunday as Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.

All four were residents of Anaconda, which is situated between rugged mountains about 25 miles (40 kilometers) northwest of Butte.

Robert Wyatt, 70, said he was neighbors with Leach at a public housing complex for elderly people and people with disabilities. Leach was deaf and kept mostly to himself, Wyatt said, but he was always happy to help his neighbors.

In a town where “everybody knows everybody,” the entire community is hurting, said resident David Jabarek, 70.

What is known about the suspect?

Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005, said Lt. Col. Ruth Castro, an Army spokesperson. Brown was in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009 and left military service at the rank of sergeant, Castro said.

Brown lived next door to The Owl Bar, according to owner David Gwerder, who was not present during the shooting Friday morning. It was widely believed that Brown knew at least some of the victims.

In a photo released by law enforcement, Brown appears gaunt, barefoot and wearing nothing but black shorts.

Brown’s niece, Clare Boyle, told The Associated Press that her uncle has struggled with mental illness for years, and she and other family members repeatedly sought help for him.

He was known to local law enforcement before the shooting, Knudsen said. There is a $7,500 reward for any information leading to Brown’s capture.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
ICE nabs 3-time deported illegal alien charged with assaulting a police officer: 'GOOD RIDDANCE'

ICE Apprehends Repeat Offender Accused of Assaulting Officer

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) revealed on Monday that Immigration and…
Japan’s first female PM to meet Trump: What to know about the heavy metal fan

Japan’s Trailblazing Female PM Set to Meet Trump: Discover Her Unique Connection to Heavy Metal

As President Donald Trump touched down in Japan on Monday, he wasted…
Jews differ on both Zionism and Mamdani

Diverse Jewish Perspectives: Debating Zionism and Mamdani’s Views

American Jews today are at a crossroads, contemplating the direction their collective…
Suspect with lengthy rap sheet arrested for alleged Pam Bondi 'murder-for-hire' scheme: FBI

FBI Arrests Notorious Suspect in Alleged Pam Bondi Murder-for-Hire Plot

A Minnesota man with a record of violent behavior is now facing…
Israeli Settler Violence Across the West Bank

Escalating Tensions: Israeli Settler Incidents Surge in the West Bank

A new investigative report from Haaretz exposes a shocking escalation of settler…
Food banks brace for surge as federal food aid pause looms amid government shutdown

Food Banks Prepare for Increased Demand: Federal Food Aid Pause Threatens Communities During Government Shutdown

Food banks and pantries, already grappling with cuts from federal programs earlier…
New Jersey driver hit by passing car following 4 a.m. turnpike crash

New Jersey Motorist Struck by Passing Vehicle After Early Morning Turnpike Accident

In a tragic turn of events, a man from New Jersey, who…
Pork jerky recall: 2M pounds of Golden Island Korean barbecue pork jerky sold at Costco, Sam's Club recalled over metal wire risk

Massive Recall: 2 Million Pounds of Golden Island Korean Barbecue Pork Jerky Pulled from Costco and Sam’s Club Shelves Due to Metal Wire Contamination Risk

CHICAGO — Federal health authorities announced on Friday that a company based…
Pittsburgh SWAT officers break silence in film, 7 years after Tree of Life Synagogue massacre

Unveiling the Untold: Pittsburgh SWAT Officers Share Powerful Stories 7 Years Post-Tree of Life Tragedy

Seven years after the most devastating antisemitic attack in U.S. history, a…
LCPD: Three arrested after string of home invasions, burglaries in Lake City area

Lake City Police Nab Trio Suspected in Series of Home Invasions and Burglaries

In a concerning pattern of criminal behavior, individuals impersonating members of the…
George Clooney says 'Ocean's 14' script is done, will begin filming in 2026

George Clooney Confirms ‘Ocean’s 14’ Script Complete, Filming Set for 2026

In an exclusive chat with Variety, George Clooney, famed for his role…
ICE in Chicago news: Nearly 3K arrested in Chicago immigration crackdown, Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino says

Massive Immigration Sweep in Chicago: Border Patrol Chief Reveals Nearly 3,000 Arrests

CHICAGO (WLS) — Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino spoke with…