Military veteran arrested week after fatal Montana shooting

August 9, 2025

Montana authorities have arrested Michael Paul Brown, a US Army veteran accused of killing four people at the Owl Bar in Anaconda on August 1, 2024. Following the shooting, local, state, and federal law enforcement launched an extensive manhunt as the suspect fled to nearby foothills, discarding his clothing in the process. Brown, who reportedly lived next door to the bar and was a regular patron, allegedly opened fire immediately upon entering the establishment, killing barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley and three customers.

Who is affected

The four victims: barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley (64) and three customers - Daniel Edwin Baillie (59), David Allen Leach (70), and Tony Wayne Palm (74)
The community of Anaconda, Montana (population approximately 10,000)
The Owl Bar, its owner David Gwerder, and its patrons
The families and friends of the victims

What action is being taken

Law enforcement agencies are conducting an active investigation following Brown's arrest
Officials are working together across local, state, and federal levels in response to the shooting
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen is overseeing the law enforcement effort
Authorities are gathering evidence including the suspect's vehicle and surveillance photos

Why it matters

The shooting resulted in the deaths of four community members
The incident occurred in a small town of only 10,000 people, significantly impacting the tight-knit community
The suspect was an Iraq war veteran who apparently targeted a place he frequently visited
The bar owner's statement that Brown "knew everybody" in the bar but "snapped" raises concerns about seemingly unpredictable violence

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC