News Summary
Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old Army veteran, has been arrested following a week-long manhunt connected to a quadruple homicide at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. Four victims, including a bartender and three patrons, lost their lives in the shooting on August 1. Brown was captured near Anaconda after a collaborative search involving 130 personnel. While charges are still pending, the community has expressed relief at his capture amid fears during the manhunt.
Montana – Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old Army veteran, was arrested on Friday following a week-long manhunt related to a quadruple homicide at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. The shooting incident, which occurred on August 1, 2025, resulted in the deaths of four individuals, including a bartender and three patrons.
Brown was apprehended approximately five and a half miles from the crime scene on private property near a barn to the west of Anaconda. His arrest was confirmed by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte during a press conference outside the Deer Lodge County Courthouse. The operation leading to Brown’s capture involved close collaboration among local, state, and federal authorities, with around 130 personnel actively participating in the search.
The four victims of the shooting have been identified as Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 70. Kelley was reportedly working as a bartender at The Owl Bar at the time of the incident, while Leach and Palm, both 70, were patrons enjoying their evening. The shooting has been characterized as one of the most significant violent events in Montana in the past decade, prompting considerable fear and anxiety throughout the local community during the search for Brown.
Initially, Brown fled the scene and eluded law enforcement by briefly hiding in a building. He subsequently stole a white Ford F-150 to make his escape. Law enforcement lost track of him when a nearly identical vehicle entered the highway during the pursuit. The search was complicated by challenging terrain and various tips from local residents, which proved vital in locating Brown.
After his arrest, Brown was medically cleared at a local hospital before being taken into custody at the Anaconda-Deer Lodge County jail. While authorities have yet to disclose specific charges against him, local residents expressed relief at his apprehension, with Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith stating that the community could finally feel secure knowing Brown was in custody.
Throughout the week of Brown’s fugitive status, many residents expressed their concerns about the potential return of the suspect to the area, creating an atmosphere of unrest. Governor Gianforte commended law enforcement for their prompt response to the incident, stating that “our brave men and women in uniform didn’t waste a second” in their efforts to secure the community.
Reports indicate that Brown served honorably in the U.S. Army from January 2001 to May 2005, which included a deployment to Iraq. Family members have noted that Brown faced significant mental health challenges following his service, exacerbated by personal losses, indicating a troubled past leading up to the tragic events that unfolded at The Owl Bar.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and have not yet finalized the legal charges Brown is expected to face. The local community remains observant as further details emerge regarding the ongoing case and its implications for public safety.
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Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
