Update 4:48 p.m. Great Falls police held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to provide updates on the case.
Police said they received a 911 call just after 2 a.m. requesting emergency medical assistance at the Emerald Casino at 1701 10th Ave. S. A person was said to be bleeding from his face. When police officers and paramedics arrived, they found three people dead inside. A fourth victim was identified a short time later at Benefis Health System; that person is said to be recovering from a gunshot wound. There is no word yet on when or how he arrived at the hospital.
Police immediately began searching for the suspect, and at about 5:45 a.m., they found the suspect in the area of Seventh Avenue South and 26th Street. Great Falls police said that shots were fired, and the suspect - who was armed - was shot and killed by law enforcement officers.
The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of family members. The name of the suspect has not yet been released.
Authorities have not released information about the possible motive for the deaths, such as an attempted robbery or other reasons.
The Great Falls Police Department is leading the investigation into the murders. The Division of Criminal Investigation, an agency of the Montana Department of Justice, is leading the investigation into the shooting of the suspect.
Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter said that the investigation is complex and will take some time.
Fergus County Coroner Dick Brown will conduct the coroner's inquest..
Agencies involved in the search for the suspect included the Great Falls Police Department, the Cascade County Sheriff's Office, the US Marshals Service, Montana Probation & Parole, and the FBI.
Police ask that anyone with information about the deaths or the suspect call the GFPD at 406-455-8519. You can also visit P3TIPS.com to provide tips, and may remain anonymous.
Reporting by David Sherman, MTN News
GREAT FALLS - The Great Falls Police Department and other law enforcement agencies were on scene of a triple homicide at the Emerald City Casino on Tuesday morning.
A press release from police stated paramedics arrived on scene around 2 a.m. to find three victims dead inside the casino.
A fourth victim was found a short time after and was taken to Benefis Health System.
The release states the suspect was fatally shot after an encounter with police in the area of 26th Street and 7th Avenue South around 5:45 a.m.
Investigations will continue in that area for the next several days. Great Falls police along with the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office and the Montana Department of Criminal Investigation were working together on the case. Investigators request the public stay away from the scenes.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Great Falls Police Department's Detective Keith Hedges at 406-455-8519, or log on to P3TIPS.com. Tips remain anonymous.
Lincoln Elementary School was to be closed Tuesday due to police activity. All events scheduled for Tuesday will be rescheduled.
Here is the press release posted to the Great Falls Police Department Facebook page:
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
