Police have ramped up their manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in a tragic shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana where four individuals lost their lives. The victims, including barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and customers Daniel Baillie, 59, David Leach, 70, and Tony Palm, 74, were targeted when Brown, 45, opened fire using a rifle on Friday morning. After the incident, the suspect fled into the foothills, prompting the involvement of approximately 250 law enforcement officers, as well as a reward of $7,500 for tips leading to his arrest.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen described Brown as "unstable" and a "dangerous individual" while expressing deep concern for community safety after the attack. The search area has expanded to include national forest lands surrounding the area, complicating the ongoing investigation. Given that Brown was known as a regular at the bar and had lived nearby, police noted the personal nature of this crime.
Cassandra Dutra, a fellow barmaid, indicated that although Brown visited the pub often, he remained somewhat of an outsider among patrons. The incident shocked the community, which had previously felt safe and secure. Nancy Kelley's daughter expressed disbelief that such violence could happen in their hometown, underscoring the emotional impact of the shooting.
While investigators are exploring all avenues—including the possibility that Brown may be deceased—they are operating under the assumption he is armed and on the run. Following the shooting, authorities discovered a white Ford-150 pickup truck associated with the suspect, but so far, no trace of him has been found. As businesses and public events grapple with the aftermath of the attack, Brown's niece highlighted his long battle with mental illness, deepening the tragedy of this tragic event.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen described Brown as "unstable" and a "dangerous individual" while expressing deep concern for community safety after the attack. The search area has expanded to include national forest lands surrounding the area, complicating the ongoing investigation. Given that Brown was known as a regular at the bar and had lived nearby, police noted the personal nature of this crime.
Cassandra Dutra, a fellow barmaid, indicated that although Brown visited the pub often, he remained somewhat of an outsider among patrons. The incident shocked the community, which had previously felt safe and secure. Nancy Kelley's daughter expressed disbelief that such violence could happen in their hometown, underscoring the emotional impact of the shooting.
While investigators are exploring all avenues—including the possibility that Brown may be deceased—they are operating under the assumption he is armed and on the run. Following the shooting, authorities discovered a white Ford-150 pickup truck associated with the suspect, but so far, no trace of him has been found. As businesses and public events grapple with the aftermath of the attack, Brown's niece highlighted his long battle with mental illness, deepening the tragedy of this tragic event.
