Authorities Follow New Leads in Death Investigation

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Authorities say they continue to receive and pursue leads in the death of a western Montana man whose remains were found on MacDonald Pass last October.

John Michael Crites of Birdseye disappeared in June 2011 and his death is being investigated as a homicide.

Crites was part of an ongoing land dispute and had been involved in lawsuits with neighbors regarding access to land near his house. A year after his disappearance, no one has been charged in his death, though authorities say a recent incident may uncover new details.

Sgt. Dave Peterson told the Independent Record a neighbor arrested Friday for evidence tampering has information pertinent to the case.

Prosecutors say John R. Mehan removed trail cameras that were being used by authorities in the Crites investigation.