Montana Murder Suicide Has More Questions Than Answers

I'd consider Montana to be a pretty quiet place overall. Sure, we have our share of issues like anywhere else, but compared to big cities across the country, our crime rate is relatively low. Out here, especially the further you get into the remote areas, the headlines you see are more likely to involve a bear encounter, a lost hiker, or maybe a wildfire—not major violent crimes.

So when a notification pops up about a possible murder-suicide, it definitely stops you in your tracks. It's not the kind of thing we see often, and it's certainly not your everyday news in this part of the world.

The Park County Sheriff's Office shared a Facebook post on June 25 detailing a tragic incident that happened the day prior in the Emigrant area. According to the post, deputies responded to a call on Chico Cemetery Road on June 24 where two individuals were found deceased inside a vehicle.

At this time, law enforcement is not considering there to be any threat to the public. The incident is currently being investigated as a possible murder-suicide.

"Upon initial investigation, it appears two local females were inside the vehicle when one of the females shot and killed the other female, then committed suicide. The vehicle was located by a passerby and called in to the Livingston/Park County Dispatch Center." – Undersheriff Tad Dykstra

As we mentioned before, this kind of situation is pretty rare for our quiet community. It's the kind of story that shakes a small town, and our hearts go out to the families affected by this tragedy.

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If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please know there is help available. The Montana Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You can call, text, or chat by dialing 988. You're never alone, and there are people ready to listen.