Animal Exploitation Charges Added in Missoula Shooting Case

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 17, 2026, the Missoula Police Department provided an update regarding the shooting investigation that occurred on July 16, 2025, in the 2000 block of Cooper Street. Police Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett has more information.

“As part of the ongoing investigation, and following continued review of evidence, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office has filed amended charges against 27-year-old Josef Manchester,” Bennett said. “These updated charges were filed on April 16, 2026, through the Fourth Judicial District Court.” 

According to Bennett, the amended filing includes the additional charge of Attempted Deliberate Homicide, which is charged in the alternative to Assault with a Weapon, as well as a felony charge related to the solicitation of prohibited conduct involving an animal. 

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“These additional charges stem from the continued and diligent investigative efforts conducted by Missoula Police Department’s Task Force Officer (TFO) assigned to the Missoula Drug Task Force,” Bennett said. “Through the execution of search warrants, forensic analysis, and digital evidence review, the TFO identified further criminal activity beyond the initial incident.” 

Digital Evidence and Animal Exploitation

Bennett said the TFO conducted an extensive review of digital evidence, which led to the discovery of additional alleged criminal conduct involving the exploitation of an animal owned by the defendant.  

“Due to the disturbing and sensitive nature of this material, specific details will not be released by the Missoula Police Department,” Bennett said. “However, the conduct identified is prohibited under Montana law and has been thoroughly documented and submitted to the Missoula County Attorney’s Office for charging consideration.” 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

On March 31, 2026, the TFO reviewed the contents of the Defendant’s cellphone extraction. In his review, the TFO observed a conversation between the Defendant and a female. The context of the message conversation is related to sexually explicit activities, many of which include acts with the Defendant’s dog.

The TFO is aware that sexually explicit acts performed with animals, in this instance a male dog, are prohibited in the state of Montana. In his review of the Defendant’s phone, TFO Nissley found evidence of such acts, the solicitation of such acts, and the confirmation of the past performance of such acts.

According to court documents, the Defendant indicated that he had been interested in sexual acts involving dogs since he was 23-years-old. The Defendant also admits to using his dog during sexual activities with his previous partners, noting that these previous partners “regularly fooled around with him.”

Community Impact and Legal Presumptions

“The Missoula Police Department recognizes that crimes involving the abuse or exploitation of animals are of significant concern to the community,” Bennett said. “These cases are taken seriously. It is important to note that these are allegations outlined in charging documents, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.” 

Bennett said this remains an active and ongoing case as it proceeds through the judicial process and the Missoula Police Department will continue to work closely with the Missoula County Attorney’s Office. 

Manchester is currently being charged with felony attempted deliberate homicide, two counts of felony criminal endangerment, felony criminal possession with intent to distribute, seven counts of felony unlawful use or possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture, and felony solicitation of deviate sexual conduct.

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