Bonner Man Charged With Deliberate Homicide in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 17, 2023, at approximately 7:27 p.m., Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a residence on Antelope Drive for a report of a male shot by a handgun. Deputies found the male victim, John Doe, and his girlfriend in a tent on the property.  

The female told deputies that Doe was shot by another man who was inside the property’s trailer house. Deputies first assisted in getting Doe away from the home and to an ambulance. 

Doe had a small gunshot wound to his abdomen and was unable to stand or respond. Deputies engaged in chest compressions while waiting for the ambulance, but Doe was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The female told the deputies that the shooter was Ron who was in the house and that the gun was also in the house. Another woman exited the trailer and said Ron shot Doe with a semi-automatic .22 handgun that was in the house. She called Ron and he came out of the house.  

According to court documents, deputies briefly entered the home to clear it of other dangers and observed a semi-automatic handgun and a loaded magazine in plain view in the home. 

Deputies Speak With the Suspect 

44-year-old Ron Duggin was Mirandized and he agreed to speak. Duggin said he heard something like strange rustling noises and thumps from outside near the tent. Duggin said he saw the female lying on her back and that Doe was kneeling over her.  

Duggin said he believed Doe was hurting the female or choking her. He claims he told Doe to get off of her and then shot Doe with the gun. Duggin said he went back in the house, unloaded the gun, and told the other female to call 911. 

The female told deputies that she and Doe were in the tent looking at papers when Doe heard a pop and smelled powder from a gun. She then saw Duggin standing at the tent door. Duggin told her he thought Doe was attacking her. She told deputies that Doe was not attacking her. She said they were not fighting and she did not know why Duggin shot Doe. According to the female, Duggin never asked her if she was okay or if she needed any help despite stating that he believed she was just attacked.  

Duggin was placed under arrest and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony deliberate homicide. On November 20, 2023, Duggin made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $1,000,000. If found guilty, he could face life in prison. The state is not seeking the death penalty in this case. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.