Shots Fired During Siblings’ Argument at Missoula Fishing Spot

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 14th, 2024, at approximately 4:00 PM, law enforcement was dispatched to the Sha Ron fishing access in East Missoula with a report that a female had been shot in the abdomen. There were approximately 50 people on scene when law enforcement arrived, and a few were attempting to render aid to the female.  

At least four witnesses on scene claimed that they heard a loud pop followed by shouting coming from the direction of a vehicle. At least two witnesses heard a distressed female shouting about being shot. Witnesses found the female, identified as Jane Doe, in the driver’s seat of the vehicle with an obvious bullet entry wound entering her abdomen, without evidence of an exit wound.  

They also found a passenger, later identified as 32-year-old Shane Laber, with his hands up. There was a firearm, later identified as a Ruger LCP 380, on the floorboard of the front passenger side of the vehicle and it was recovered by law enforcement. 

Shooter Claims He was Attacked 

According to court documents, Laber identified himself as the shooter to law enforcement. He claimed that Doe, his sister, had attacked him suddenly during an argument and had bitten him on the neck. Laber had an injury consistent with a bite mark on the right-hand side of his neck that was superficial but appeared to break the outer layer of skin in a few places. 

According to law enforcement, Laber claimed he had been drinking and that it would not surprise him if he had a high BAC, but claimed he is an alcoholic who regularly drinks a fifth a day, so he was not very impaired by his standards. Laber also stated that he took Adderall, a known prescription stimulant, that he did not have a prescription for. Laber was evaluated by medical staff at St. Patrick’s Hospital and cleared for discharge. 

Laber stated that when Doe attacked him, he was rifling through his backpack, and the contents of the backpack, including the gun, were on his lap. Laber acknowledged that he had purchased bullets and loaded the gun at one point but did not know for sure if the gun was loaded. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Laber made numerous spontaneous statements that he could have fought Doe back instead of shooting and spontaneously claimed he could have gotten out of the car instead. Officers on scene found a .380 bullet casing consistent with the fired round in Laber’s back pocket.  

Laber was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and felony assault with a weapon. His bond was set at $50,000. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.

On June 17, 2024, the Missoula County Sheriff's Office reported that Doe was being treated for her injuries. Court documents indicate Doe is stable, but in critical condition and unable to provide a statement. 

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