In an unusual legal move, all documents related to the Anaconda bar shooting, where four residents were killed, have been sealed. This decision by the Anaconda-Deer Lodge District Court has sparked concern among legal experts. The suspect, Michael Paul Brown, remains absent from public court records, and authorities offer no explanation for the secrecy.
Despite inquiries by Montana Free Press regarding the case’s status and jurisdiction, Clerk of Court Jodi Lechman confirmed all information is sealed. Furthermore, no local officials disclosed who requested the sealing of the proceedings.
The sealed documents might contain essential information such as charges, court schedules, and attorneys’ names. Without public access, the case details remain unknown, and Brown’s charges and plea are undisclosed.
Legal professionals in Montana expressed surprise at the comprehensive sealing. Retired Chief Justice Mike McGrath noted, “No, I’ve never heard of that.”
Inquiries were directed to County Attorney Morgan Smith, but even basic filings like a motion to seal are inaccessible. Public records requests for the judge’s order and related documents were also unfulfilled.
Brown appeared virtually on Aug. 11, three days after his arrest. Bail was set at $2 million, but charges remain undisclosed. Meanwhile, public defenders pledged ongoing representation.
Brett Schandelson from the state public defender’s office did not comment on the sealing or involvement in the request. University of Montana’s Andrew King-Ries mentioned that such secrecy is rare but possible in high-profile cases, referencing the 2022 Moscow murder case’s gag order.
Brown’s case gained significant attention during the manhunt, yet its removal from the public docket is striking, according to King-Ries, who suggested it might protect a fair trial. Former Justice Dirk Sandefur highlighted the rarity of fully sealed cases in Montana, typically limited to sensitive personal details.
Family members revealed Brown’s mental health struggles, with his military background adding complexity to the case. Authorities suspect Brown of killing four at the Anaconda bar, including victims Nancy Kelley, Daniel Baillie, David Leach, and Tony Palm.
The violent event shocked the community, with Brown evading capture for a week. County Attorney Smith announced that the Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigations will primarily handle the ongoing investigation.
The Montana Attorney General’s Office did not provide a statement regarding the case before publishing.
Zeke Lloyd contributed reporting.
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