Fugitive Ex-American Soldier Accused of Slaying Four Individuals in Montana Presents An Ongoing Manhunt
The manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in the deadly shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, remains active as of early August 2025. Brown, a 45-year-old former US soldier, is believed to be armed and dangerous, and authorities have issued a $7,500 reward for information leading to his arrest[1][2].
On the morning of August 1, Brown allegedly opened fire at the bar, killing four individuals: Daniel Edwin Baillie, Nancy Lauretta Kelley, David Allen Leach, and Tony Wayne Palm. All four victims were residents of Anaconda and ranged in age from 59 to 74[2].
Jabarek, a regular patron at the bar, was not present during the shooting. He had arrived at the bar less than 30 minutes before the incident but decided to run an errand nearby instead[1]. Upon returning, he found the bar surrounded by police. Jabarek expressed that if he had been present, he might not be speaking to anyone[1].
Brown escaped the scene in a stolen vehicle and later abandoned it. He was later seen in another stolen vehicle containing camping gear, shoes, and clothes[1][2]. As a result, his appearance may have changed since he was last seen.
The search for Brown has extended into the surrounding mountainous and wooded areas, where he is thought to have familiarity[1][2]. Law enforcement agencies, including federal, state, and local officers, are working tirelessly, with at least 38 agencies involved[1][2]. However, as of now, Brown remains at large[1][2][4].
Despite concerns in neighboring Granite County, local officials have stated that there is no current indication Brown is in that area. They remain vigilant and ask the public to report any suspicious activity[1][2][3][4].
In an effort to locate Brown, investigators are considering various options, including searching the woods where he used to hunt and camp as a child[1]. Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005[1]. He later joined the Montana National Guard from 2006 to March 2009, leaving military service at the rank of sergeant[1].
Brown's niece, Clare Boyle, has stated that her uncle has struggled with mental illness for years[1]. The woods southwest of Anaconda have been closed to the public by the National Forest System due to the ongoing search[1].
[1] - Local News Montana, "Manhunt for Suspect in Montana Bar Shooting Continues," August 5, 2025. [2] - Anaconda Standard, "Four Dead in Montana Bar Shooting," August 2, 2025. [3] - Missoula Current, "Suspect in Montana Bar Shooting Remains at Large," August 3, 2025. [4] - Billings Gazette, "Manhunt for Montana Bar Shooting Suspect Extends into Surrounding Areas," August 2, 2025.
- The manhunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in the deadly shooting at The Owl Bar, has also sparked discussions in the realm of politics, as local officials and law enforcement agencies work together, calling for increased funding and resources to support the ongoing search.
- Alongside the general news of Brown's manhunt, crime-and-justice reporters have been covering the specifics of the shooting, including the background of Brown, his military history, and the implications of his mental illness on the case.
