Nancy Lauretta Kelley, Daniel Edwin Baillie Obituary, Death; Montana Governor: Manhunt for Bar Shooter Who Killed 4 Is Top Priority
Nancy Lauretta Kelley, Daniel Edwin Baillie Obituary, Death – As the manhunt for Michael Paul Brown enters its fifth day, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has signed an executive order to allocate more resources for local law enforcement. Brown, a former U.S. Army soldier, is suspected of killing four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, and remains on the run.
More than 30 law enforcement agencies are involved in the extensive search, which is centered in the rugged terrain near Anaconda. State officials have labeled the search as Montana’s top law enforcement priority. The Montana National Guard has joined the effort, logging nearly 20 hours of flight time since last Friday. Officers are also searching on foot in remote areas.
Governor Gianforte reassured the public of the ongoing effort, stating, “Our brave men and women of law enforcement aren’t giving up, and I ask that you not give up on them either.”
Brown, 45, allegedly entered The Owl Bar with a rifle and opened fire, killing four people: 64-year-old bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie (59), David Allen Leach (70), and Tony Wayne Palm (74). After the shooting, Brown fled the scene in a white pickup truck, which he later abandoned. Authorities believe he then stole another white vehicle containing camping supplies, shoes, and clothing.
The attack has deeply affected the small town of Anaconda, which has a population of around 9,000. Residents remain on edge as the suspect remains at large. Former Owl Bar bartender Cassandra Dutra described Brown as someone who made unsettling comments, including claims that the CIA was targeting him. She likened the bar to a place like the TV show Cheers, where everyone knew each other well.
A photo of Brown taken after the shooting was released to the public, showing him barefoot and dressed only in black shorts, descending a set of concrete stairs. Authorities believe Brown is still armed and considered extremely dangerous.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen confirmed that law enforcement officials believe they are searching in the right location, and about 22 square miles of forest land near Anaconda have been closed to the public. Drones with heat-sensing technology and canine units are being used in the search. So far, there’s no evidence Brown has broken into homes or cabins for supplies.
Anaconda Deer Lodge County Police Chief Bill Sather emphasized public safety and promised to notify residents if additional risks arise.
A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to Brown’s arrest. Brown, who lived next to The Owl Bar, served in the Army from 2001 to 2005 and was deployed to Iraq. He also spent time in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009.
Family members say Brown has struggled with mental health issues, including PTSD. Kristian Kelley, daughter of victim Nancy Kelley, said her mother never spoke of Brown, but described him as someone who needed serious help.
The investigation and search efforts remain ongoing.
