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
The Latest: Three ranked matchups in the AP Top 25 headline next weekend

Top 25 Showdowns: Key Ranked Matchups Set to Electrify College Football Weekend

The AP Top 25 underwent a dramatic transformation this Sunday following a…
Advice to feed babies peanuts early and often helped 60,000 kids avoid allergies, study finds

New Study Reveals Early Peanut Introduction Prevents Allergies in 60,000 Children

A groundbreaking study conducted a decade ago revealed that introducing peanut products…
Doug Martin, Bay Area-born NFL star, former Boise State and Oakland Raiders running back, dies at 36, family says

Bay Area NFL Alum and Former Raiders Running Back Doug Martin Passes Away at 36

In a somber announcement, the family of Doug Martin, the former standout…
Federal Court Upholds School Ban on "Let's Go Brandon" Shirts

Federal Court Ruling Supports School’s Ban on Controversial ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Apparel

A federal appellate court has upheld a ban on “Let’s Go Brandon”…
'Brazen' Louvre thieves made targeted heist, treasures could be melted down: expert

Shocking Louvre Heist: Expert Warns Priceless Artifacts at Risk of Destruction

A notorious group of thieves successfully executed a daring heist at the…
FAA says air traffic controller staffing issues cause delays amid shutdown

FAA Blames Air Traffic Delays on Staffing Shortages During Government Shutdown

The ongoing government shutdown, now dragging into its 20th day, has resulted…
Trump administration to defend Alina Habba's tenure as top New Jersey prosecutor

Trump Administration Set to Defend Alina Habba’s Role as Leading New Jersey Prosecutor

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — On Monday, the federal appeals court will deliberate on…
Brunswick man charged with electronic child explotation

Brunswick Resident Arrested for Alleged Involvement in Electronic Child Exploitation Case

In a troubling development from Glynn County, Georgia, a 28-year-old man from…
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson declares Oct. 19 'Love Your Lungs Day' as doctors gather at McCormick Place for CHEST conference

Chicago Mayor Proclaims ‘Love Your Lungs Day’ on Oct. 19 Amid Major CHEST Conference at McCormick Place

Thousands of medical professionals have gathered in Chicago this weekend to focus…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Former MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away After Motorcycle Tragedy

CARACAS (AP) — Jesús Montero, a Venezuelan native who once graced the…
Teen killed by stray bullet while playing video games inside St. Louis home: 'Horrible nightmare'

Tragic Incident: Teen Fatally Struck by Stray Bullet While Gaming at Home in St. Louis

In a tragic incident, a 14-year-old high school freshman from Missouri lost…

Massive Orthodox Jewish Protest in NYC: Sparks Fly Over Controversial Israeli Military Draft Reform

NEW YORK (AP) — On Sunday, streets and sidewalks near the Israeli…