Missoula Homicide Suspect Receives $1 Million Bond

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 3, 2024, at approximately 7:42 PM, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to an apartment building in the 1700 block of South Eighth Street West after receiving reports that a woman had shot a man. 

Officers began life-saving measures, including applying a chest seal to what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to the victim’s chest. The victim was placed into an ambulance to be transported to the hospital. Medical personnel placed pads on the victim’s chest to perform a rhythm check. When it was determined there was no heart rhythm, medical personnel advised there were no other life-saving measures and the victim was pronounced deceased. 

Back at the scene, an officer spoke to the initial 911 caller who also lives in the apartment building. He said he heard what he believed to be a gunshot and went outside. He observed a female holding a revolver and standing near the victim. He said she then walked up the stairs to one of the apartments. 

Officers Identified the Suspect 

According to court documents, officers were able to identify the suspect as 35-year-old John Eikens, who law enforcement determined was also known as Joan. Officers set up a perimeter and began to evacuate the other residents of the fourplex. The occupant of one of the apartments was determined to be the victim. 

SWAT, the Crisis Negotiation Team, and the Explosive Ordinance Team were called to assist in apprehending Eikens. The negotiation team attempted contact with Eikens with no success. Throughout the standoff, several officers informed Eikens she was under arrest and to exit the apartment. Eikens refused to comply. Once all attempts at speaking with Eikens were exhausted, a Lieutenant requested the SWAT team begin deliberate barricade procedures. 

SWAT successfully breached a back window and inserted hot gas into the apartment. Eikens was immediately responsive and began communicating. Eikens eventually exited the apartment through the front door and was taken into custody hours after law enforcement was dispatched. Eikens was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

READ MORE: Missoula Shooting Update: Suspect Barricaded, SWAT Team Activated

Detectives Search the Apartment 

Detectives executed a search warrant for Eikens’ apartment. In a bedroom, detectives observed a box of “Magtech” brand .22 long rifle bullets that was open and out of the package on a dresser. Multiple bullets were missing. Detectives then searched the dresser. Located in the bottom drawer of the dresser was a Heritage brand “Rough Rider” model revolver that was chambered in .22 long rifle. 

On June 4, 2024, Detectives went to the detention facility to interview Eikens. Eikens was read her Miranda rights and invoked her right to counsel. The investigation is still ongoing. 

Eikens is currently being charged with felony deliberate homicide and obstructing a peace officer. On June 5, 2024, Eikens made her initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court. The judge set a $1 million bond after the state said this was an unprovoked random attack. Eikens is set to appear back in court on June 17 at 9 AM. If found guilty, Eikens could face the death penalty or up to life in prison. 

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