Manhunt Continues for Montana Bar Shooting Suspect, Reward Offered
Anaconda, Montana – A massive manhunt is underway in southwestern Montana for 45-year-old Jeffrey Brown, the suspect in a shooting at the Owl Bar in Anaconda that left four people dead. Authorities have been searching for nearly 20 hours, utilizing air support and ground teams, as of Tuesday. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte urged residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement efforts.
The shooting, which occurred at the Owl Bar, claimed the lives of Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Brown,who lived adjacent to the bar,is alleged to have used a rifle believed to be his personal weapon in the attack.
following the shooting, Brown reportedly fled in a white pickup truck, which he later abandoned for another white vehicle containing clothes, shoes, and camping gear. A 22-square-mile (57 square kilometer) area of the national forest southwest of Anaconda has been closed to the public to facilitate the search. Montana attorney General Austin Knudsen stated authorities believe Brown is armed and risky, and indicated evidence suggests the search is focused on the correct location. notably, investigators have found no evidence Brown has sought shelter or supplies by breaking into local cabins or homes.
The number of law enforcement personnel involved in the search has not been disclosed, but canine units and drones equipped with thermal imaging are being deployed. Federal authorities are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to Brown’s capture.
Family members have reported Brown has a history of mental illness and they had previously sought assistance for him. Brown served in the U.S. Army as an armor crew member from 2001 to 2005, including a deployment to Iraq from early 2004 to March 2005. He also served in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009.
Separate Tennessee Examination Leads to arrest
In a separate case, authorities in Tennessee have arrested a suspect, identified as Drummond, in connection with the deaths of four individuals in Tiptonville, tennessee. The victims have been identified as James M Wilson, 21; Adrianna Williams, 20; Cortney Rose, 38; and Braydon williams, 15. Police state Drummond had a relationship with the victims and the killings were targeted. Drummond was apprehended in Jackson, Tennessee, following a public alert urging residents to shelter in place after a reported sighting. Two other men have been arrested in Tennessee on allegations of assisting Drummond.
