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
Maine 'mama bear' facing threats as parents battle to keep 8-year-old boy off girls' basketball team

Maine Controversy: Parents Clash Over 8-Year-Old Boy’s Inclusion in Girls’ Basketball Team Amidst Threats to Advocate

A mother from a coastal town in Maine has joined forces with…
JSO: Woman shot in face during argument with boyfriend at apartment in Jacksonville's Argyle Forest area

JSO Reports: Woman Sustains Facial Injury in Domestic Dispute at Jacksonville’s Argyle Forest Apartments

A shooting incident occurred at Lindsey Terrace Apartments, as reported by the…
Rob Reiner's son Nick appears in court for first time in parents' murder case

Hollywood Scandal: Nick Reiner’s Courtroom Debut in Gripping Parental Murder Case

On Tuesday, Nick Reiner faced charges in connection with the deaths of…
Israel's Netanyahu demands Western governments act to battle antisemitism: 'Heed our warnings'

Netanyahu Urges Western Leaders to Combat Rising Antisemitism: A Call for Immediate Action

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called upon Western nations to take…
Neighbors of slain MIT professor stunned by killing

Shocking Tragedy: MIT Professor’s Murder Leaves Neighbors in Disbelief

Residents of a Boston-area neighborhood were left in shock following the fatal…
Man stabbed on Charlotte light rail by twice-deported illegal immigrant says body is 'plenty' damaged

Desperate 911 Calls Surface After Alleged Train Stabbing by Illegal Immigrant in Charlotte

Recently released 911 recordings provide a harrowing glimpse into the desperate attempts…
New Media Angle: Sydney Attacks, Inspired by ISIS and Targeting Jews, Had ‘Nothing to Do With Religion’

Decoding the Sydney Attacks: Unraveling the ISIS Connection and Misconceptions About Religious Motives

Consider this a new entry in the “Media Missteps” category. During a…
Georgia homeowner charged in shooting of suspected teen porch pirates

Georgia Homeowner Faces Charges After Allegedly Shooting Teen Porch Pirates: A Controversial Case Unfolds

A homeowner in Georgia is now facing charges after allegedly shooting two…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell moved to new prison amid fight over answers, immunity

Ghislaine Maxwell Seeks to Overturn Conviction Ahead of Imminent File Release Deadline

Ghislaine Maxwell is urging a federal judge to overturn her conviction, citing…
TPUSA Lawyer Reveals No Evidence Beyond Affidavit in Kirk Case

Explosive Revelation: TPUSA Lawyer Admits Lack of Evidence Beyond Affidavit in Kirk Case

Candace Owens says a Turning Point USA attorney revealed the organization has…
JSO: Nine-year-old found by K9 unit after leaving home near Dunn Avenue

Jacksonville Police Successfully Locate Missing 10-Year-Old Boy Safe and Sound After Extensive Search Effort

A young boy who was reported missing on Wednesday evening has been…
Biden's Catch and Release: Illegal Alien Bus Driver Accused of Killing Woman in Tennessee Crash

Tragic Tennessee Crash Sparks Debate: Undocumented Bus Driver Linked to Fatal Accident Amid Biden’s Immigration Policies

A Chinese national, residing illegally in the U.S., is facing charges for…