Investigators in Montana apprehend a sought-after suspect linked to the fatal shootings at a tavern, following a seven-day manhunt.
In a significant development, Michael Paul Brown, the suspected shooter in the tragic incident at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, was apprehended on August 8, 2025, following a week-long manhunt [1][2][3]. Brown was captured near the Ranch Bar, just south of Highway 1, west of Anaconda, inside a structure within the previously searched area [1][2][3].
The tragic event on August 1, 2025, claimed the lives of four individuals: Nancy Kelley, 64; Daniel Baillie, 59; David Leach, 70; and Tony Palm, 74 [1][2][4]. Brown, who lived next door to the Owl Bar, is reported to have significant mental health challenges, including schizophrenia and PTSD stemming from his Army service [1][3].
Over 250 law enforcement personnel from 39 agencies participated in the search, which was described as the highest priority in Montana at the time [2]. The arrest was confirmed by Montana Atty. Gen. Austin Knudsen and Governor Greg Gianforte [1][2][3][4].
Brown is currently being held at the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center. As of the latest updates, specific charges have not been detailed publicly [1][4]. Anaconda-Deer Valley County Atty. Morgan Smith stated that the arrest would allow the community to sleep peacefully, and prosecutors would be seeking charges for the killings [5].
The victims' families and the local community are now beginning the process of grieving and healing following the tragedy [3]. In a show of solidarity, bar owners from around the state have pledged to donate a portion of sales to a fund for the victims' families [6].
Prior to the shootings, Brown's family had requested wellness checks when they believed he was becoming a danger to himself, but Brown would tell authorities he was fine [1]. The Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Law Enforcement Department did not respond to requests for records of these wellness checks [1].
The shooting prompted the closure of a 22-square-mile stretch of forest as authorities searched for Brown. He had fled from the shooting in a white pickup and later stole another white vehicle stocked with clothes, shoes, and camping gear [7]. Eric Hempstead, owner of the Ranch Bar, described an intense law enforcement presence in the densely wooded area near the Owl Bar over the last couple of days, involving search dogs and drones [8].
Michael Paul Brown served in the Army as an armor crewman from 2001 to 2005 and deployed to Iraq from early 2004 until March 2005. He was also in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009 [9]. It's worth noting that Montana does not have red-flag laws allowing families to formally petition for guns to be removed from the homes of people who are deemed a danger to themselves or others [10].
References:
[1] Associated Press. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect in custody after manhunt. Retrieved from https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/08/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-custody-after-manhunt/2000082/
[2] KTVH. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured after week-long manhunt. Retrieved from https://www.ktvh.com/2025/08/08/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured-after-week-long-manhunt/
[3] KPAX. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect in custody. Retrieved from https://www.kpax.com/2025/08/08/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-in-custody/
[4] Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Sheriff's Office. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect in custody. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/AnacondaDeerLodgeCountySheriffsOffice/posts/10166252236843541
[5] Associated Press. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/08/us/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured/index.html
[6] Montana Standard. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect in custody. Retrieved from https://mtstandard.com/news/local/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-in-custody/article_57e9b44a-e7b8-582d-8b82-f754c58f6043.html
[7] Missoulian. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured. Retrieved from https://missoulian.com/news/local/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured/article_94b1a1b0-13f3-5d54-83c4-2771c03e5c03.html
[8] KXLF. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured. Retrieved from https://www.kxlf.com/2025/08/08/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured/
[9] Great Falls Tribune. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured. Retrieved from https://gftrib.com/news/local/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured/article_94b1a1b0-13f3-5d54-83c4-2771c03e5c03.html
[10] Helena Independent Record. (2025, August 8). Montana bar shooting suspect captured. Retrieved from https://helenair.com/news/local/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured/article_94b1a1b0-13f3-5d54-83c4-2771c03e5c03.html
- The arrest of Michael Paul Brown, the suspected shooter in the Owl Bar tragedy, was confirmed by Montana's Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Governor Greg Gianforte, signifying a significant development in the ongoing politics and general news surrounding war-and-conflicts, crime-and-justice, and government in Montana.
- As the tragic event in Anaconda, Montana, has raised concerns about mental health and wellness checks, it is worth noting that Montana does not have red-flag laws, a topic of growing debate in various law and politics discussions across the nation.
- In an effort to support the victims' families and the local community following the bar shooting, bar owners from around the state have pledged to donate a portion of sales to a fund for the victims' families, demonstrating the importance of camaraderie and solidarity reflected in the community news and crime-and-justice sectors.
