Multiple fatalities reported in Montana shooting incident by US media
In the quiet town of Anaconda, Montana, a tragic incident unfolded on Friday morning (August 1, 2025) at around 10:30 a.m. The incident took place at The Owl Bar, a local establishment, where a 45-year-old man, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly opened fire.
The shooting claimed the lives of four individuals—Daniel Edwin Baillie (59), Nancy Lauretta Kelley (64), David Allen Leach (70), and Tony Wayne Palm (74)—all residents of Anaconda. The man is said to have targeted a female bartender and three male patrons.
The suspect, who is believed to be armed and extremely dangerous, fled the scene in a white Ford F-150. Authorities have since located the vehicle but have yet to find the suspect. The manhunt, involving local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, has been ongoing for several days.
The search has primarily focused on the mountains west of Anaconda, with residents being advised to stay indoors and report any sightings immediately. Public events have been cancelled, and officials believe the suspect may be confined to a specific area but remain vigilant.
The suspect is known to have had a residence in Anaconda and was reportedly a regular at The Owl Bar. Neighbors have shared that he had longstanding mental health issues. Authorities suspect he may be hiding in the woods or mountainous terrain where he used to hunt and camp as a child.
SWAT teams have been deployed in the search, and residents have been urged not to approach the suspect if spotted but to call 911 immediately. New images of the suspect, who was seen fleeing shirtless and shoeless, have been released to aid in identification.
Anaconda, located at approximately 1,600 meters elevation in the Rocky Mountains, is home to approximately 9,000 residents. The incident has left the community in shock and mourning. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear as investigations continue.
[1] CBS News [2] Local Sheriff's Office [3] U.S. Media Reports [4] The Owl Bar Staff (Anonymous)
The tragedy at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, has sparked a widespread manhunt, with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies involved. This incident, marked by the shooting of five residents, has raised concerns and interrupted general-news, politics, and crime-and-justice updates in the area.
Residents in Anaconda have been advised to stay indoors and report any sightings, as the suspect, believed to be armed and dangerous, is still at large. The suspect, known for his previous mental health issues, is suspected to be hiding in the mountainous terrain where he used to hunt and camp as a child.
