Elderly Montana Couple Found Dead

"SUPERIOR, MT — State officials have released the names of the two Mineral County residents who died in an apparent murder/suicide earlier this week.

"Emma Jean Lane, 87, died when her husband John Lane, 85, shot her in their home near Superior off Southside Drive. The man then turned the gun on himself, dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Emma’s body was discovered Wednesday morning, when a neighbor arrived at the residence to check on the elderly couple.

"The neighbor entered the residence at the request of an out-state-relative, who was unable to reach the couple by phone.

"When the sheriff’s department arrived shortly after noon, they found John’s body."

From missoulian.com...

Victim Calls It In Too Late

"GARDINER, MT — The Park County Sheriff's Office has released the names of the woman and man involved in yesterday's murder/suicide in Gardiner.

"Park County Undersheriff Scott Hamilton said Debi J. Roberts, 59, and Steve A. Cole, 63, have been identified as the deceased.

"Roberts had called the Yellowstone National Park dispatch center on Thursday afternoon, reporting that Cole was trying to break into her home on Water Street. She told the dispatcher that Cole had already fired a weapon and was trying to break into the home. According to officials, Roberts identified Cole by name.

"Hamilton said Cole had been arrested in February of 2000 for partner-family assault, with Roberts named as the victim.

"Hamilton said the pair had been in a relationship, but it had ended approximately two years ago.

"Autopsies are planned for later today."

From KBZK...

Cops Rush To Scene, Find Couple Dead

"KALISPELL, MT — A man and woman are dead following an apparent murder/suicide early Tuesday morning in northwest Kalispell.

"Kalispell police, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies and Montana Highway Patrol troopers responded to 134 Fly Way at 12:41 a.m. after a man called to say his father had just shot his mother and was going to commit suicide.

"By the time law officers arrived, the man was dead.

"The bodies of both the man and the woman were located in one of the bedrooms. Both had sustained gunshot wounds.

"Kalispell Police Department Investigations Capt. Scott Warnell declined to add any details Tuesday afternoon. He said the Kalispell Police Major Case Unit would still be on scene investigating and collecting evidence into the evening.

"He confirmed the shootings are being investigated as a murder/suicide, but said, `We are letting the evidence dictate the direction the investigation goes.`"

Read more at DailyInterLake.com...

Visitor Finds Bodies In Home

"DARBY, MT — Ravalli County Sheriff Chris Hoffman has released the names of the two people who died in an apparent domestic violence-related murder/suicide near Lake Como north of Darby late Sunday or early Monday morning.

"Hoffman identified the female victim as 50-year-old Holly N. Schick-Lewis.

"The woman had been shot multiple times, he said.

"The suspect was identified as 53-year-old South Valley resident Michael Charles Buckles. Hoffman said that Buckles died as a result of a self-inflicted gunshot, and that his death appeared to have happened very shortly after Schick-Lewis was killed.

"Hoffman said that Schick-Lewis’ body was discovered by a visitor to the Lake Como Road home early in the afternoon on Monday.

"The visitor left the residence and called 9-1-1.

"Deputies found Schick-Lewis in the kitchen of the home; Buckles was located in an adjacent bedroom."

From ravallirepublic.com...

Man Kills TV Host, Self

"WHITEFISH, MT — A northwestern Montana man shot and killed the host of the Sportsman Channel show `A Rifleman’s Journal` in an apparent jealous rage while the TV personality was visiting the shooter’s wife, police said Friday.

"Wayne Bengston, 41, then beat his wife, took his 2-year-old son to a relative’s house and drove to his home about 25 miles away in West Glacier, where he killed himself, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said.

"`It’s pretty much an open-and-closed case. Homicide and suicide,` Dial said.

"Police identified the shooting victim as Gregory G. Rodriguez, 43, of Sugar Land, Texas. Bengston’s wife told police that Rodriguez was in town on business and visiting her at her mother’s house in Whitefish when her husband showed up Thursday at about 10:30 p.m.

"Rodriguez and the woman, who works for a firearms manufacturer in the Flathead Valley, met at a trade show and struck up a casual relationship that police do not believe was romantic, Dial said.

"She and Rodriguez were sitting at the kitchen table, talking over a glass of wine, when Bengston entered the house and shot Rodriguez, Dial said.

"He then beat his wife on the face and head, most likely with the pistol, he said. She was treated at a hospital and released.

"`I think it was a jealous husband, but this is all conjecture,` Dial said.

"After the shooting was reported, Flathead County sheriff’s deputies found Bengston’s truck parked in his driveway. Efforts by a police SWAT team to contact Bengston inside the house were unsuccessful, and officers found his body with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, police said."

From LSJ.com...

Couple Found Dead In Condo

"BOZEMAN, MT — Two weapons were used in a shooting that appears to be a murder-suicide involving a man and woman on Warbler Way in Bozeman Monday morning.

"A high-powered rifle and a handgun were found at the scene, Bozeman Lt. Steve Crawford said. There was one round fired from each and it appears they were fired by the same person, Crawford said.

"The shooting took place in a bedroom in the three-bedroom condo, according to Crawford. While we know the exact address of this morning's shooting on Warbler Way, we are honoring a request from police to not yet release it until the families of the victims can be notified.

"At least one of the bodies will be taken to the State Crime Lab in Missoula, Crawford said.

"While neighbors say the victims were a couple, the police are not yet commenting on the specifics of their relationship at this time.

"A man and a woman, both in their 20s to 30s, were involved in what police are investigating as a murder-suicide, Crawford said.

"The call came in at 7:07 a.m. Monday. Two other people were in the residence on Warbler Way at the time; one of them called police to say that there was a disturbance then they heard a noise like a `pop` or a gunshot."

From KAJ18.com...

Man And Son Found Dead On Rural Road

"MCCONE COUNTY, MT — Officials in eastern Montana have found a Fairview man and his 3-year-old son shot to death, the victims of an apparent murder-suicide.

"The McCone County sheriff's office issued a press release Tuesday reporting 33-year-old Rick Haber of Fairview and his son were found Monday morning on a rural road.

"An attempt to locate bulletin had been issued for Haber and his son on Sunday when Haber failed to show up for a custody exchange in Great Falls.

"Officials say Haber and his son were last seen by Haber's grandparents when they left the grandparents' home Sunday afternoon."

From nbcmontana.com...

Bodies Found After Call To Police

"GREAT FALLS, MT — The Great Falls Police Department has confirmed that the deaths of Bryan Smith, 43, and Suzanne Roberts, 36, were the result of murder-suicide.

"In a press release, the GFPD says that at some point on Friday, February 24th, Smith shot Roberts twice in the head as she was sleeping in her bed; Smith then went into another room in the house and shot himself in the head.

"Their bodies were found on the afternoon of Monday, February 27th, after Roberts' sister called the police, saying she had not heard from Roberts in a few days.

"Police found the bodies at the home shortly after that phone call."

From KRTV.com...

Couple Pronounced Dead At Scene After SWAT Standoff

"LIBBY, MT — A man and his wife are dead following an apparent murder-suicide that resulted in an eight-hour standoff at 1217 Main Avenue in Libby.

"At approximately 6:28 a.m. Tuesday, 911 dispatch received a call from Dale Kinniburgh Jr., 51, who said he had killed his wife, Catherine Kinniburgh, 55.

"Kinniburgh then said he was going to kill himself, which resulted in the hours-long standoff.

"`Because of some of the calls we've received in the past from this residence, we thought it was best for safety reasons to evacuate the nearby residents,` Lincoln County Sheriff Roby Bowe said.

"Several law enforcement agencies responded, including the Flathead County Special Response Team.

"`They called and asked for our help this morning,` Curry said Tuesday afternoon. `I don't think they knew at that point whether or not it was a homicide-suicide or if there was a barricade situation.`

"Other agencies responding included the Libby Police Department, Lincoln County Sheriff's Office and the Montana Highway Patrol.

"At approximately 2:21 p.m., officers entered the home and found the Kinniburghs' bodies. No shots were fired by law enforcement.

"Coroner Steve Schnackenberg pronounced the Kinniburghs dead at the scene."

From DailyInterLake.com...

Elderly Couple Found Dead On New Years Eve

"ANACONDA, MT — A couple, described in their 70s, died of a murder-suicide early Friday morning, according to Anaconda police officials.

"The home of the couple is on Hickory street. A pistol was used in the deaths, police said. The shooting happened about 3:30 a.m., officials told The Montana Standard.

"Officials declined to release the names of the victims until relatives were notified."

From mtstandard.com...

Domestic Disturbance Leaves Two Dead

"GREAT FALLS, MT — The Great Falls Police Department concluded that the deaths of Don and Shelly Mahoney Thursday night were the result of a murder-suicide.

"The scene investigation and the results of autopsies performed on both bodies determined that Don Mahoney shot his wife, Shelly Mahoney, with a shotgun before shooting himself. Police officially closed the investigation.

"Police were called to the Mahoney residence [possibly here] Thursday night after a family member reported a domestic disturbance. Police arrived to find the husband and wife dead in a bedroom.

"Don Mahoney was the maintenance squad commander for the Montana Air National Guard, and Shelly Mahoney was a fourth-grade teacher at Mountain View Elementary School."

Source: greatfallstribune.com...

House Fire Followed Murder/Suicide

"LIBBY, MT - The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office reports that a Saturday morning house fire in which two people died was a case of murder-suicide.

"Lincoln County Coroner Steve Schnackenberg says the victims, Ted and Swanie Hardgrove, were married and both were 81 years old.

"Lincoln County Sheriff's Captain Roby Bowe says that Ted Hardgrove shot wife, started the fire at 4785 Bobtail Road and then shot himself.

"Bowe says a letter that was found written by Ted Hardgrove indicated the shooting to be a mercy killing, as his wife Swanie suffered from cerebral palsy and was in a great deal of pain.

"Captain Bowe told us that the Sheriffs Office doesn't suspect anyone else has a hand in the fire or the shootings."

From KPAX.com...

Two Dead, One Injured, No Suspects Sought

"GREAT FALLS, MT - Investigators are on the scene of what appears to be a murder, suicide on the southside of Great Falls.

"A call came in to police at around 7 p-m. with a report of gunshots in progress. Officers responded to the alley of 416 12th Avenue South just behind the Holiday Inn. Great Falls Police Sergeant Bryan Slavik [said] a man was found dead at the scene while another person had suffered superficial injuries.

"That investigation led police to a home just a couple houses down at 426 12th Avenue South where ... a woman was found dead in the yard.

"Sergeant Slavik says both of the deceased were residents of the home at 426 12th Avenue South. Details of the crime and of those involved have not been released at this time, although police tell us they are not looking for a suspect."

From KAJ18.com...

Two Dead In Fatal Love Triangle

"BRIDGER, MT - Two men are dead after a shooting in Bridger Monday night. Carbon county officials said 19-year-old Joshua Brown of Red Lodge shot 20-year-old Ryan Webster and then committed suicide shortly thereafter.

"Webster family representatives said Ryan was `shot over a girl,` and that Ryan was dating Joshua's ex-girlfriend. They said Ryan's mother and roommate were present when the suspect shot him multiple times.

"Police said the shooting happened at Webster's home and occurred around seven o'clock Monday night. Law enforcement received warrants to search the home and vehicles at the crime scene shortly before five o'clock Tuesday.

"Ryan graduated from Bridger High School just a few years ago, and administrators said an event like this rocks the community. The school brought-in extra-counselors Tuesday. `It's very difficult for the students, for the staff, for all involved,` said Bridger Schools Superintendent John Ballard.

"The Bridger Police Department, Carbon County Sheriff's Office and state investigators are continuing their joint investigation into the deaths."

From KURL8.com...

Barking Dog Announces Murder/Suicide

"PLENTYWOOD, MT - The deaths of two people from Plentywood Tuesday night have been ruled a murder/suicide.

"Sheridan County Sheriff Pat Ulrickson says Monica Olson, 44, died of a single gunshot wound, while Michael Lodahl, 52, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"The 911 call came from Lodahl's neighbor who heard his dog barking outside. Out of concern for the dog, she went over to the house. When she looked through a window whe saw the bodies on the floor. That's when she called authorities.

"A Sheridan County sheriff's deputy responded around 11:20 p.m. and confirmed the deaths."

From KTVQ.com...

1 Dead, 1 Injured In Montana Murder/Suicide

"FORT BENTON, MT - One person is dead and another is hospitalized after what appears to be a murder and attempted suicide in Fort Benton on Thanksgiving day.

"Local authorities [said] that Fort Benton police were dispatched to an apartment complex around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, where they found a dead woman, an apparent victim of a homicide.

"A man who was an acquaintance of the victim was found lying near a pickup truck parked in the street with a self-inflicted gun shot wound.

"The man was taken to Missouri River Medical Center in Fort Benton, then sent by Mercy Flight to Great Falls. He has since been transferred to a Seattle hospital with life-threatening injuries.

"We talked with a neighbor in the area who tells us the victim in the case was managing the apartment complex and in the process of remodeling some of the apartments.

"We're told neither the suspect or the victim lived in the apartment where the shooting occurred and that it was currently vacant.

"At this time, it's not clear how many shots were fired but one of the neighbors reported that two shots were heard yesterday afternoon around 4:30, but the family thought it was nearby deer hunters.

"The State Division of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the case, with assistance from Fort Benton Police and the Chouteau County Sheriff's office."

Source: Montana's News Station...

Bodies Found In Different States

"Dickinson, ND - Authorities say the deaths of a Dickinson couple may be the result of a murder-suicide.

"Police say the body of 41-year-old Jamie Osborn was found by passers-by in a wooded area in Miles City, Mont., on Sunday afternoon. Police say the body of his 43-year-old wife, Tracey, was found Monday morning inside a vehicle in Dunn County, about 50 miles north of Dickinson.

"Lt. Rod Banyai says Jamie Osborn appears to have died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

"Banyai says the cause of Tracey Osborn's death is not being released until an autopsy is done. He says it appears she was the victim of a homicide."

From KXMB.com...

Domestic Dispute Leads To DEATH In The Basement

"Butte, MT - A Butte woman was identified as one of two people killed in a murder-suicide in Great Falls.

"The bodies of Judi Bauman and Lane Rammel were found in the basement of the 1908 Central Avenue home Monday morning. Police were called to the home after Bauman's co-workers became concerned when she didn't show up at work.

"Authorities confirmed Wednesday that the two were killed in a murder-suicide. Rammel killed Bauman and then committed suicide, according to Cascade County Attorney John Parker. They apparently had been engaged in a domestic dispute."

From Montana's News Station...