ANACONDA, MONTANA – The small, tightly knit town of Anaconda is grappling with profound grief following a senseless act of violence that claimed the lives of four cherished members of its community. Among those tragically killed were Nancy Lauretta Kelley, 64, a long-serving bartender known for her warmth and welcoming spirit, and Daniel Edwin Baillie, 59, a loyal patron and devoted father with a deep love for his hometown.
The tragedy unfolded on the morning of Friday, August 1, at the Owl Bar, a familiar gathering place in Anaconda nestled just 20 miles northwest of Butte. According to authorities, a gunman—identified as Michael Paul Brown, 45, a U.S. Army veteran—entered the establishment and opened fire using a rifle. In a matter of moments, four lives were taken: Nancy Kelley, Daniel Baillie, David Allen Leach, 70, and Tony Wayne Palm, 74.
The horror of the shooting has left the town reeling, as residents mourn not just the loss of life, but the stolen sense of security that once defined their peaceful community.
Nancy Lauretta Kelley: A Heart at the Center of the Owl Bar
Nancy Kelley was more than just a bartender at the Owl Bar—she was the heart of the establishment. For over two decades, she welcomed locals and visitors alike with a smile, a listening ear, and the kind of small-town hospitality that made strangers feel like old friends. Born and raised in Montana, Nancy had a deep connection to Anaconda and remained a fixture of its downtown scene.
Friends and coworkers describe Nancy as fiercely loyal, kind-hearted, and always quick with a joke to lift spirits. She had an intuitive ability to sense when someone needed cheering up and would often be seen going out of her way to comfort someone sitting alone at the bar. Her life was a testament to service—not just in her job, but in her enduring commitment to her neighbors, friends, and family.
“She was our lighthouse,” said one local. “Even on the darkest nights, she made people feel safe and seen.”
Nancy is survived by two children and five grandchildren, who adored her for her loving nature, her resilience, and the way she always made holidays magical. Her sudden and violent death has left a deep wound in the hearts of all who knew her.
Daniel Edwin Baillie: A Quiet Soul with a Generous Heart
Daniel “Dan” Baillie, 59, was known for his quiet demeanor, easy laughter, and steadfast loyalty to those he held close. A lifelong Montanan and frequent patron of the Owl Bar, Dan found comfort in the familiar rhythm of small-town life. He was an Army veteran himself, a former contractor, and a father of two, who found joy in the simple things—long drives, hunting in the fall, fishing trips, and backyard barbecues with his children.
He had recently celebrated the birth of his first grandchild, and according to his daughter, “He was more excited about being a grandpa than anything else in the world.”
Dan’s friends remember him as a man of few words but deep convictions. He often helped elderly neighbors shovel snow in the winter or mow their lawns in the summer—quiet acts of kindness that left lasting impressions.
“Dan never needed recognition,” said a longtime friend. “He just did the right thing, even when no one was looking.”
The loss of Daniel Baillie has left his family and friends devastated, as they struggle to comprehend how such violence could strike someone so gentle and unassuming.
The Community in Mourning
As law enforcement continues a region-wide manhunt for suspect Michael Brown—who is believed to have fled into the rugged foothills surrounding the town—the grief in Anaconda remains palpable. Authorities have confirmed that over 250 officers, along with helicopters and ground teams, have been deployed to scour the dense National Forest land southwest of the town. A $7,500 reward is being offered for information leading to Brown’s arrest.
Meanwhile, the community is trying to heal. Residents gathered on Sunday for a candlelight vigil held at Washoe Park, where prayers, tears, and tributes filled the evening air. Photographs of Nancy, Dan, David Leach, and Tony Palm adorned makeshift memorials, surrounded by flowers and flickering candles.
“This was not just a crime scene. It was our second home,” one Owl Bar regular said. “And now, it’s a place of mourning.”
As the investigation continues, local leaders are urging vigilance and unity. The road to healing will be long, but Anaconda is leaning on its shared grief and small-town solidarity to carry forward the legacies of those lost.
Rest in peace, Nancy Lauretta Kelley and Daniel Edwin Baillie.
Your lives brought light and love to Anaconda, and your memory will forever be etched into the soul of this town.
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