ANACONDA, MT — Officials have publicly identified the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in Friday night’s mass shooting at the Owl Bar in Anaconda. The announcement came during a Sunday morning press conference, as the community continues to mourn and law enforcement intensifies the search for the suspect.

The victims have been named as:

• Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64

• Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59

• David Allen Leach, 70

• Tony Wayne Palm, 74

According to authorities, the suspect in the fatal shooting is Michael Brown, 45, a local resident and familiar face at the Owl Bar. Brown reportedly lived nearby and was known to both the bartender and patrons, making this act of violence all the more jarring for the small Montana town. Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the attack.

Montana Attorney General Austen Knudsen confirmed that a rifle was used in the shooting, though the specific type of firearm has not been released to the public. After opening fire at the bar, Brown fled the scene, allegedly removing his clothing and fleeing in a stolen truck filled with camping equipment. Authorities believe he may have changed clothes using items from the vehicle before escaping into the rugged terrain.

A massive manhunt is underway, focusing heavily on the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness, particularly in the area of Stumptown Road between Anaconda and Georgetown Lake. Law enforcement has deployed “a tremendous number of assets” to locate Brown, but he remains at large as of Sunday morning.

“There is concern he may come back into town,” said Knudsen, who urged local residents to remain alert and report any suspicious sightings or behavior. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of the threat and the ongoing risk to public safety.

In a heartbreaking statement, Clare Boyle, Brown’s niece, addressed the tragedy and extended her condolences to the families of the victims.

“My heart breaks for this town. There is no amount of apology or words that could ever describe how sorry I am and how I feel for these families—my own included.”

Boyle also shared that her uncle had long struggled with severe mental health issues, including schizophrenia and PTSD, which she said stemmed in part from his military background and a transient childhood. Brown’s personal history includes frequent moves and long-standing emotional instability, she said, but nothing could have prepared the community for this level of violence.

As residents of Anaconda grapple with shock and grief, tributes to the victims are beginning to pour in from across the state. Vigils and community gatherings are being planned in their memory, while law enforcement continues its tireless efforts to bring Brown into custody.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Michael Brown’s whereabouts to contact local law enforcement or call 911 immediately. He is considered armed and dangerous.

The tragic shooting has left the community shaken and searching for answers—while mourning the loss of four lives taken far too soon.