A manhunt in Montana escalates as law enforcement searches for Michael Paul Brown, the primary suspect in a devastating shooting that resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a beloved barmaid. The attack took place at The Owl Bar, which has left the small town of Anaconda in shock and mourning.
### Montana Authorities Expand Manhunt for Suspected Bar Shooter as Victims Identified
### Montana Authorities Expand Manhunt for Suspected Bar Shooter as Victims Identified
Police intensify search efforts for military veteran suspected in fatal bar shooting that shocked the Anaconda community.
Authorities have confirmed the identities of the deceased: 64-year-old barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, along with patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie (59), David Allen Leach (70), and Tony Wayne Palm (74). The shooting erupted around 10:30 AM on Friday, prompting Brown to flee into nearby foothills. A reward of $7,500 is being offered for information leading to his capture.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen condemned the act of violence, declaring, "This is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever." The public remains in high alert, as law enforcement expands search efforts into surrounding forests and rugged terrain.
Around 250 officers—federal, state, and local—are actively participating in the manhunt, utilizing ground searches, vehicles, and helicopters. Knudsen stated that Brown is known to the bar and likely had connections to some victims, making the incident even more horrific.
Nancy Kelley’s daughter spoke to NBC News about her late mother, describing her as a dedicated nurse who worked part-time at the bar to maintain social connections. The rise in violence is a stark contrast to the town's previously peaceful atmosphere.
Investigators are not dismissing any possibilities regarding Brown’s status but presume he is alive and armed. A recently released photo shows him fleeing the scene, barefoot and only in shorts, after disposing of clothes believed to be worn during the incident. The military veteran served from 2001 to 2005, including deployment in Iraq, and has been reported to struggle with mental illness.
As businesses around the community grapple with safety, many events have been canceled amid the ongoing search. Family members express concern for Brown’s mental health, shedding light on his struggles in the hopes of understanding the motives behind the tragic events.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen condemned the act of violence, declaring, "This is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever." The public remains in high alert, as law enforcement expands search efforts into surrounding forests and rugged terrain.
Around 250 officers—federal, state, and local—are actively participating in the manhunt, utilizing ground searches, vehicles, and helicopters. Knudsen stated that Brown is known to the bar and likely had connections to some victims, making the incident even more horrific.
Nancy Kelley’s daughter spoke to NBC News about her late mother, describing her as a dedicated nurse who worked part-time at the bar to maintain social connections. The rise in violence is a stark contrast to the town's previously peaceful atmosphere.
Investigators are not dismissing any possibilities regarding Brown’s status but presume he is alive and armed. A recently released photo shows him fleeing the scene, barefoot and only in shorts, after disposing of clothes believed to be worn during the incident. The military veteran served from 2001 to 2005, including deployment in Iraq, and has been reported to struggle with mental illness.
As businesses around the community grapple with safety, many events have been canceled amid the ongoing search. Family members express concern for Brown’s mental health, shedding light on his struggles in the hopes of understanding the motives behind the tragic events.
