Fatal Altercation: Missoula Man Charged With Deliberate Homicide

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Just after 11:30 a.m. on November 24, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to the 500 block of East Broadway for a report of an unresponsive individual inside a vehicle. Police Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett has the details.

“Upon arrival, officers discovered a 37-year-old female, Jane Doe, inside the vehicle, deceased with visible injuries to her face and no signs of life,” Bennett said. “The male driver, identified as 51-year-old James Brown, was located near the vehicle and detained. A preliminary investigation involving patrol officers and detectives led to Brown being taken into custody.” 

According to court documents, detectives interviewed Brown and he admitted the following:  

• He was with Doe while she was alive and alert the previous evening.
• He was the only person with Doe at the time of the physical altercation on Rimel Road.
• He had physically fought with Doe for 10 minutes, during which time he had struck her with a hammer fist 10 times. 
• That Doe had been alert, yelling and actively fighting with him, but had begun “mumbling” and was largely unresponsive after he had struck her.
• He had been told by his friend that Doe needed to go to the hospital, but he had instead gone to Noon’s Sinclair to “piss.”
• He did not contact emergency services due to fearing what might happen to him legally based on the situation.

Detectives advised Brown that he was under arrest. An officer placed Brown in handcuffs and transported him to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony deliberate homicide, felony PFMA, and unlawful restraint.

This is an active investigation, and no further details will be released at this time to preserve the integrity of the case. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

“The Missoula Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim involved in today’s tragic incident,” Bennett said. “We extend our gratitude to the officers, detectives, and partner agencies who responded to this incident.”

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Missoula Police Department at (406) 552-6300 or Missoula Crime Stoppers at (406) 721-4444.