Niece Claims Montana Bar Shooter Was Denied Mental Health Care

Background on the Suspect

Michael Paul Brown, a 45-year-old man accused of fatally shooting four individuals at a bar in Anaconda, Montana, has become the focus of an ongoing manhunt. According to his niece, Clare Boyle, Brown has long struggled with mental health issues, but was repeatedly turned away from services that could have provided assistance. The shooting occurred at the Owl Bar on Friday morning, and Brown is believed to have fled the scene after opening fire.

Boyle shared her perspective with a local NBC affiliate, describing her uncle as a mentally ill veteran who developed schizophrenia during his time in Iraq and Afghanistan. She noted that Brown served in the Army from January 2001 to May 2005 and later joined the Montana National Guard from April 2006 to March 2009. During his service, he was deployed to Iraq from February 2004 to March 2005 and left the military with the rank of sergeant.

Struggles with Mental Health

After returning from deployment, Brown’s condition reportedly worsened, especially following the death of both of his parents. Boyle stated that the VA and the Montana State Hospital denied him help, citing that they only accept patients who are court-ordered due to being a danger to themselves or others. “The system failed,” she said, expressing deep sorrow over the events that led to the tragedy.

Despite these challenges, Boyle described her uncle as a loving relative who had a positive impact on her life. He taught her how to ride a bike, fish, swim, and play sports. Even when she was away at college, he drove an hour and a half to visit her when she was feeling unwell.

Details of the Shooting

The incident at the Owl Bar took place around 10:30 a.m. on Friday, when Brown allegedly used a personal rifle to open fire before fleeing the scene. Four individuals were killed in the attack: bartender Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, and patrons Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59; David Allen Leach, 70; and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.

Boyle expressed her grief over the loss of five families, stating that no words could adequately convey the heartbreak caused by the shooting. While she acknowledged that mental illness does not excuse such actions, she emphasized that better care and support might have prevented the tragedy.

Ongoing Manhunt and Public Appeal

Law enforcement continues to search for Brown, who is considered armed and dangerous. Authorities believe he has access to multiple firearms and may still be in the area. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to his capture.

Brown was last seen during a car pursuit with law enforcement on Friday afternoon. Despite the lack of public comments from the Department of Veteran Affairs and the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Boyle remains hopeful that her uncle can be found safely and receive the care he desperately needs.

Reflections on the Tragedy

Boyle described her uncle as someone who, despite his struggles, was generally harmless. She mentioned that he often spoke of himself as "John Wick" and claimed to have been sent from the future to save the world. However, she also noted that he no longer drinks or uses drugs because he believes it blocks his "wizard powers."

While the motivations behind the shooting remain unclear, Boyle’s statements highlight the broader issue of mental health care and the need for a more responsive healthcare system. Her plea for better support for veterans and citizens underscores the importance of addressing these systemic failures to prevent future tragedies.