Nancy Lauretta Kelley Obituary, Death – Authorities in Montana have released the names of the four individuals who were fatally shot at a rural bar, as the search continues for the alleged shooter, Michael Paul Brown. Brown, a 45-year-old former U.S. Army soldier, is accused of opening fire at The Owl Bar in Anaconda, Montana, on the morning of August 1. The small town, located roughly 105 miles southeast of Missoula, was left shaken by the violence.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen identified the victims as 64-year-old bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley and three patrons: Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74. All were residents of Anaconda. During a press briefing, Knudsen confirmed that Brown, who used a rifle believed to be his own, remains at large and should be considered armed and extremely dangerous.
“This is a deeply unstable individual who murdered four innocent people in broad daylight,” Knudsen said. He warned the public to remain alert, as Brown may return to the area.
The shooting occurred at approximately 10:30 a.m. when Brown allegedly walked into The Owl Bar and began firing. After the attack, he fled the scene in a white truck. Surveillance cameras captured Brown leaving the bar, and residents were quickly alerted and advised to stay indoors. Law enforcement, including SWAT, later cleared Brown’s nearby home, which is located next to the bar. Authorities later located the initial getaway vehicle.
Bill Sather, police chief of Anaconda-Deer Lodge County, urged the community to continue normal activities but exercise caution and report anything unusual. A motive for the shooting is still being investigated, but officials say Brown was known to law enforcement and was likely familiar with his victims. Knudsen added that Brown had frequented the bar and personally knew the bartender and patrons, making the incident even more tragic.
Brown’s military background shows that he served as an Army armor crewman from 2001 to 2005, including a tour in Iraq. He also spent time in the Montana National Guard from 2006 to 2009. Authorities describe him as 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing around 170 pounds, with blue eyes and brown hair. He reportedly has access to firearms.
On August 2, authorities released a surveillance image showing Brown fleeing the scene shirtless, barefoot, and in dark shorts. It is believed that shortly after the shooting, he changed clothes and abandoned his truck before stealing another vehicle that contained clothing and camping supplies. This may explain why officials now believe he is fully clothed and mobile. The last confirmed sighting of Brown occurred on the afternoon of August 1, although early confusion slowed efforts because two white trucks were involved.
The investigation includes several agencies, such as local police, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service. A \$7,500 reward has been offered for information leading to Brown’s capture. Over 250 personnel were deployed in the search as of August 2, focusing on a rugged, mountainous area near Stumptown Road in Anaconda.
To support the search, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest issued a special closure through August 17. This order covers public lands southeast of Georgetown Lake, parts of the East Fork of Twin Lakes Creek, and areas around Barker Lakes and the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area. The closure aims to protect the public during this ongoing manhunt.
