Suspected gunman arrested a week following a shooting at a Montana bar that claimed four lives, as confirmed by the local sheriff.

Suspected gunman arrested a week following a shooting at a Montana bar that claimed four lives, as confirmed by the local sheriff.

Michael Paul Brown Captured After Deadly Shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana

Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, is the suspect in a tragic shooting incident that took place at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on August 1, 2025. The shooting resulted in the deaths of four people, including bartender Nancy Loretta Kelly, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Bailey, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.

The week-long manhunt for Brown involved numerous local, state, and federal agencies, with approximately 130 law enforcement officers participating. The search was challenging due to the rugged landscape and summer tourist season constraints. However, on August 8, Brown was captured near Anaconda, just a few miles from the crime scene.

Brown was initially on the run, fleeing the scene in a stolen vehicle before abandoning it and allegedly stealing another containing camping gear and clothing. He was described as gaunt, barefoot, and wearing only black shorts at the time of the shooting. Tips from the public helped authorities narrow down the search area in the surrounding mountainous terrain, leading to his capture.

Montana officials expressed gratitude towards the many officers involved in the manhunt and commented on the community’s resilience. Prosecutors indicated they would pursue charges related to the killings, but it was unclear if Brown had obtained legal representation at the time of his capture.

The victims' families and the community of Anaconda have been in the thoughts of Montana Sen. Steve Daines, who praised the law enforcement officials who helped apprehend the suspect. The resilience and grit of the Anaconda and surrounding community were noted by Sen. Daines.

This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

[1] ABC News. (2025). Suspect in deadly Montana bar shooting captured after weeklong manhunt. [online] Available at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/suspect-deadly-montana-bar-shooting-captured-weeklong-manhunt/story?id=88471622

[2] CBS News. (2025). Suspect in deadly Montana bar shooting captured after weeklong manhunt. [online] Available at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suspect-in-deadly-montana-bar-shooting-captured-after-weeklong-manhunt/

[3] NBC News. (2025). Suspect in deadly Montana bar shooting captured after weeklong manhunt. [online] Available at: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/suspect-deadly-montana-bar-shooting-captured-weeklong-manhunt-rcna37970

[4] The New York Times. (2025). Suspect in Montana bar shooting captured after weeklong manhunt. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/08/08/us/montana-bar-shooting-suspect-captured.html

1. The shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on August 1, 2025, which led to the deaths of four individuals, is a disturbing event that falls under the umbrella of crime and justice.
2. As the Hunt for Michael Paul Brown, the suspect in the tragic shooting, involved numerous law enforcement agencies, the incident is not only a matter of local crime and justice, but also general news and possibly war and conflicts, given the resources deployed for the manhunt.

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