After a week on the run, Michael Paul Brown, 45, was captured Friday in Anaconda, Montana, ending the largest manhunt the state has seen in a decade.
The Shooting
On August 1, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Brown entered The Owl Bar, where he lived next door, and opened fire with a rifle — killing:
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Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64 – bartender
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Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59 – patron
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David Allen Leach, 70 – patron
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Tony Wayne Palm, 74 – patron
Security footage showed Brown fleeing the scene immediately after the shooting.
The Manhunt
More than 38 local, state, and federal agencies joined the search, using helicopters, K9 teams, tactical units, and drones to scour the rugged terrain around Anaconda. A reward of $7,500 to $10,000 was offered for information leading to his arrest.
At 2 p.m. Friday, Brown was apprehended near the search area and taken into custody by Anaconda-Deer Lodge County authorities.
Official Reactions
Montana Governor Greg Gianforte praised the “incredible” law enforcement response and expressed condolences to the victims’ families:
“May God continue to be with the families of the four victims still grieving their loss.”
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen added:
“The support we’ve seen for the community of Anaconda from across the state and the nation has been remarkable. The families and friends of the victims remain in my prayers.”
Brown’s Background
Brown served as an armor crewman in the U.S. Army from 2001–2005 and deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005. Relatives say his mental health deteriorated after military service, worsened by the loss of both parents.
