District Court Judge Jeffrey Dahood has ordered the partial unsealing of charging documents in the homicide case against Michael Paul Brown, accused of fatally shooting four individuals in Anaconda last summer. A mental health evaluation will remain sealed, according to the Montana Freedom of Information Coalition. The decision follows a prolonged legal battle involving media organizations seeking access to the documents.
In January, media outlets like Montana Free Press contested the sealing of documents by Dahood, who had secured the case’s details in August without allowing objections. Despite media efforts, Dahood initially denied their request, citing a lack of authority on their part to intervene. However, in March, the Montana Supreme Court determined otherwise, stating that Dahood’s refusal was based on a “fundamental misunderstanding of governing law,” granting the media the right to argue for access.
To meet the court’s directive, a hearing was set for April 30 to deliberate on public disclosure of documents. Agreement was reached between prosecutors, Brown’s defense, and media representatives to release nearly all documents, leading Dahood to approve this on Tuesday and cancel the hearing.
Jim Strauss, from the Montana Newspaper Association, lauded the order as “a huge victory,” emphasizing the Montana Constitution’s role in ensuring public transparency. Despite the development, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Attorney Morgan Smith and others involved have not commented. Brown, presently receiving treatment at Montana State Hospital, will have his next status hearing on May 6.
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