Authorities have identified the four victims in Friday’s mass shooting at the Owl Bar in Anaconda, as the search continues for the suspect, Michael Paul Brown.
Victims of Owl Bar Shooting Identified
Law enforcement confirmed the identities of the four individuals fatally shot during the tragic incident:
- Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64 – the bartender on duty
- Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59 – patron
- David Allen Leach, 70 – patron
- Tony Wayne Palm, 74 – patron
Montana Attorney General
Austin Knudsen identified the four people killed in a shooting at The Owl Bar in Anaconda on Friday.The search for the man police believe killed them continued into a third day today with no new leads.
No word on the alleged 2-3 injured the first day… pic.twitter.com/0HommZ5s63
— Samuel Pascal Redfern (@SamUSOH) August 3, 2025
All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, Kelley was working as the bartender, while the other three victims were customers at the time of the shooting.
Manhunt for Michael Paul Brown Intensifies
As of Sunday morning, suspect Michael Paul Brown remained at large. Authorities have focused their search around the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, especially Stumptown Road, between Anaconda and Georgetown Lake.
At a press conference, Montana Attorney General Austen Knudsen revealed that Brown was familiar with the Owl Bar and likely knew the victims:
“From what I gather, it sounds like he was a regular at this establishment. He literally lives next door,” Knudsen said. “I think it’s likely that he knew the bartender and these patrons, which even makes it more heinous.”
16 Square Miles of Forest Closed for Search Efforts
On Saturday, the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest announced the closure of more than 16 square miles of parkland through August 16 to aid in law enforcement operations.
A statement from the Pintler Ranger District clarified the purpose:
“To ensure public health and safety during the ongoing law enforcement investigation and search efforts to locate the suspect for the Anaconda murders.”
The closure is located approximately eight miles west of Anaconda.
Who Is Michael Paul Brown?
According to military records and family members, Michael Paul Brown is a former U.S. Army and National Guard veteran.
- Served in the U.S. Army (2001–2005)
- Served in the National Guard (2006–2009)
- Completed a one-year deployment in Iraq
- Left the military with the rank of sergeant
Manhunt underway in Anaconda Montana for Michael Paul Brown. Brown is the suspect in the Kill*ng of 4 people in a bar Friday morning & authorities believe he could return to the area. L.E are asking residents to stay vigilant. The victims range from 59-74 w/ NO apparent motive. pic.twitter.com/aG0HXOd57K
— Kate (@AbbypaigeKate) August 3, 2025
His niece, Clare Boyle, shared that Brown has long battled severe mental health conditions.
“He struggled with serious mental health issues, including schizophrenia and PTSD,” Boyle said.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to urge the public to avoid the closed wilderness area and to report any sightings or information related to Brown’s whereabouts. He is considered armed and extremely dangerous.
