Authorities continue their search Monday, Aug. 4, for a 46-year-old man who killed four people in an Anaconda, Montana, bar on Friday, Aug.1. The shooting suspect has since vanished, prompting an intensive manhunt.
Police identified the suspect as 46-year-old Michael Paul Brown.
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A still image released by the Department of Criminal Investigations in Montana shows him fleeing the scene moments after the shooting. He stripped down to his boxers.
Brown allegedly killed four people: a retired nurse-turned-bartender and three local regulars. Authorities identified the victims as bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64; Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
Police said the suspect shot and killed all four in what they’re calling a “cold-blooded, unprovoked attack.”
Who is Michael Paul Brown?
Authorities described Brown as a veteran with a history of mental health issues. He lived next door to the bar, and community members knew him, officials said. Police believe Brown to be on foot, familiar with the terrain and still armed.
One of the victim’s daughters spoke to NBC News, saying the town knew the suspect for telling in-depth, seemingly made-up stories about his time in the military.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen stated that law enforcement was aware of Brown, noting that he has a criminal record.
Manhunt underway
Local authorities said Brown likely knew the victims and warned that he could return.
“Absolutely, there’s concern he might come back into town,” said Knudsen in a press conference. “This is, by all indications, this is an unstable individual who walked in and murdered four people in cold blood for no reason whatsoever. So, there absolutely is concern for the public. Again, I’m going to stress: we believe this is an armed and extremely dangerous individual.”
Officials have offered a $7,500 reward for information leading to his arrest.
