A massive manhunt is underway in southwestern Montana for Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old army veteran accused of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Friday morning.
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Victims Identified
Authorities have named the four victims:
- Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, a retired nurse and barmaid
- Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59
- David Allen Leach, 70
- Tony Wayne Palm, 74
All were reportedly regulars at the bar and, according to police, likely known to the suspect.
What We Know About the Suspect
- Name: Michael Paul Brown
- Status: Armed and dangerous, last seen barefoot, shirtless, and wearing black shorts
- Background: Army veteran, served in Iraq (2004–2005)
- Mental Health: Family says he has a long history of mental illness
Police released a surveillance image of Brown fleeing the scene. A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to his arrest.
“This is an unstable individual who murdered four people in cold blood,” said Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
Search Efforts
- 250+ law enforcement officers involved
- Search expanded into national forest areas near Anaconda
- Police located his abandoned white Ford F-150 but no further signs of Brown
Knudsen emphasized the suspect may have since changed clothes and appearance and warned the public to remain cautious.
Community in Shock
The shooting has rocked the tight-knit town of Anaconda, population ~10,000.
“We didn’t even lock our cars here,” said Nancy Kelley’s daughter. “This was unthinkable.”
Many local businesses temporarily shut down, and public events were cancelled due to safety concerns.
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