The manhunt for an army veteran suspected of shooting four individuals at a bar in Anaconda, Montana, is escalating, with authorities disclosing the identities of the victims. The shooting, which took place on Friday morning at The Owl Bar, claimed the lives of Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Suspect Michael Paul Brown, 45, reportedly fled the scene and is believed to be armed and dangerous. The Montana Attorney General, Austin Knudsen, remarked on the nature of the crime, describing it as shocking and without justification. In an effort to locate Brown, authorities have expanded the search area to include the surrounding national forests, with a reward of $7,500 offered for tips leading to his capture.
Approximately 250 law enforcement officials are involved in the search using a combination of foot patrols, vehicles, and helicopters. Eyewitnesses suggest Brown, a familiar presence in the bar, may have known his victims, compounding the tragedy.
Cassandra Dutra, a barmaid at The Owl, expressed concern for the community, once viewed as a safe haven. Meanwhile, Kelley’s daughter described her mother’s transition to part-time work at the bar after a long nursing career, highlighting the shock of such violence in their small town, where locking doors was seldom necessary.
The investigation continues, with officials unable to rule out the possibility of Brown being deceased, yet proceeding on the assumption he is still alive. Authorities have discovered the suspect's getaway vehicle but have yet to locate him.
Brown’s mental health struggles have been mentioned by his niece, revealing a deeper layer to the perpetrator's actions. As businesses begin to reopen after the shooting, community events remain canceled, showcasing the ongoing fear and disturbance following the tragedy.
