Anaconda, Montana — Authorities have identified the four victims fatally shot at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, as the manhunt for the suspect intensifies.
The shooting occurred on the morning of August 1, 2025, at approximately 10:30 a.m. local time inside The Owl Bar, a local tavern in the city of about 9,000 residents located in southwestern Montana.
The victims have been named as Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, the bartender on duty during the shooting, and three patrons: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. The Montana Department of Justice released their identities and photos during a news conference held on August 3, 2025, providing the community much-needed information about those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Montana State Attorney General Austin Knudsen spoke at the news conference, describing the shooting as an “absolutely heinous crime” against the community and calling for public assistance in locating the suspect. He confirmed that all four victims were known to the suspect, Michael Paul Brown, 45, who was a regular patron of the establishment and lived next door to the bar. Knudsen stated, “He likely knew the bartender and customers he shot and killed,” though officials have not yet disclosed a motive for the attack.
Authorities confirmed that Brown used a rifle during the shooting but did not specify the model or type. He is considered armed and dangerous, prompting an extensive search effort.
The suspect remains at large, and law enforcement has deployed a substantial number of resources to locate him. The search has focused heavily on the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness area near Stumptown Road, between Anaconda and Georgetown Lake.
To aid the capture, an initial reward of $7,500 has been offered for information leading to Brown’s arrest. Montana officials have established a tip line through the U.S. Marshals Service accessible at (877) WANTED2, encouraging anyone with knowledge of Brown’s whereabouts to come forward.
This tragic shooting has left the tight-knit community of Anaconda reeling, as residents mourn the loss of four members of their own. The Owl Bar, a longstanding local gathering place, now stands at the center of an intense investigation and manhunt.
Authorities continue to gather information and urge caution, warning that Brown is dangerous and should not be approached. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.