ANACONDA, MONTANA — Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old U.S. Army veteran, has been arrested for the fatal shooting of four people at a local bar in Anaconda, Montana, on August 1. Authorities captured Brown on Friday afternoon, near The Ranch Bar — just five miles from the original crime scene at The Owl Bar.
Witnesses say Brown, wearing only black shorts, fled the bar after opening fire, killing barmaid Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. Brown was known as a regular at the establishment and lived next door.
After an intensive manhunt, law enforcement said Brown may have been flushed from hiding due to searches in the nearby foothills. He was reportedly “technically armed” at the time of arrest, though officials didn’t disclose further details.
Attorney General Austin Knudsen confirmed the arrest during a press conference, calling it “a good day” for law enforcement. Montana Governor Greg Gianforte also praised the efforts of multiple agencies involved in the arrest.
Brown served in Iraq from 2004 to 2005 as an armored crewman and was described as a gun enthusiast and avid hunter. Acquaintances, however, noted troubling signs in recent years, citing mental health issues and PTSD. His behavior had reportedly become erratic, with some locals recalling bizarre claims, including impersonating fictional characters like John Wick.
Victim Nancy Kelley, a former oncology nurse, was known to have previously cared for Brown’s mother. “He just snapped,” said the bar’s owner in comments to local media.
Montana does not currently have red flag laws, which in other states allow family members to petition courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed a danger.
