Authorities in Montana are in the midst of a manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect accused of fatally shooting four individuals at the Owl Bar in Anaconda on March 15, 2024. During a news conference on March 17, Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen alerted the public that Brown, who is considered armed and dangerous, could potentially return to the area.
Knudsen characterized Brown as “an unstable individual” who committed a heinous act, stating, “He walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever.” The Attorney General stressed the need for vigilance among residents, urging anyone who spots Brown to immediately contact law enforcement.
A reward of $7,500 has been offered for information leading to Brown’s capture. The victims of the shooting were identified as 64-year-old bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelly and three patrons: 59-year-old Daniel Edwin Ballie, 70-year-old David Allen Leach, and 74-year-old Tony Wayne Palm, all of whom were local residents.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
The shooting occurred on Friday at approximately 10:30 a.m. Brown reportedly entered the bar and opened fire with a rifle before fleeing the scene. Authorities described him as wearing a tie-dye shirt, blue jeans, and an orange bandana at the time. However, a subsequent image released by the Montana Department of Justice shows him having stripped down to his underwear shortly after the incident.
Knudsen explained that Brown discarded some of his clothing and personal items but managed to obtain a stolen vehicle containing additional clothes. As of now, he is believed to be fully clothed again.
While the motive for the shooting remains under investigation, authorities confirmed that Brown was a frequent patron of the bar and lived nearby. Knudsen remarked, “I think it’s likely that he knew the bartender and these patrons, which makes this even more heinous.”
Law enforcement has not ruled out the possibility that Brown may have taken his own life, but officials are proceeding under the assumption that he is alive, well, and a serious threat to public safety.
Community Impact and Mental Health Concerns
Brown is known to local law enforcement and has a criminal history. Friends and family members have indicated that he has struggled with mental health issues. Shane Charles, the owner of a nearby bar and a childhood acquaintance, stated, “Mike was a great guy when he was on his meds. He did have some mental health problems.”
According to The Associated Press, Brown’s niece, Clare Boyle, also noted his battles with mental health. Brown served in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2005 and was deployed to Iraq from 2004 to 2005, later joining the Montana National Guard until 2009.
As the search continues, Knudsen indicated that additional arrests could be made in connection to the case. Officials are focusing their efforts in the vicinity of Stumptown Road and have expanded their search to include Barker Lake and surrounding areas.
Residents are encouraged to report any sightings of Brown by calling 1-877-wanted2. As the manhunt progresses, the community remains on high alert, grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event.