Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Suspect In Montana Sheriff's Deputy Shooting Dies

Marshall Barrus (L) was shot in the head and hospitalized yesterday. He died this afternoon in a Missoula hospital. Lloyd Barrus (R), was charged in Missoula County today.
Broadwater County Sherrif's Dept.
Marshall Barrus (L) was shot in the head and hospitalized yesterday. He died this afternoon in a Missoula hospital. Lloyd Barrus (R), was charged in Missoula County today.

A suspect in yesterday’s shooting-death of a Montana sheriff's deputy died today.

"I believe anytime there is a death, it’s a tragedy," says Missoula County Sheriff T.J. McDermott. "I believe justice comes in many different shapes and sizes."

Prosecutors say 38-year-old Marshall Barrus and his father, 61-year-old Lloyd Barrus, led officers on a pursuit after Broadwater County Deputy Mason Moore was shot early yesterday. The chase ended east of Missoula with Barrus and his father firing shots at officers.

Marshall Barrus was shot in the head and hospitalized yesterday. He died this afternoon in a Missoula hospital.

“His death was a result of a gunshot wound to the head that was sustained while he was being apprehended by law enforcement,” McDermott says.

The second suspect, Lloyd Barrus, was charged in Missoula County today with 14 counts of attempted deliberate homicide and two counts of accountability to attempted deliberate homicide for shots fired at pursuing officers. Bail was set at $2 million. He did not enter a plea.

Court records say Lloyd Barrus told investigators he was trying to force an officer to kill him.

Charges have not yet been filed in Moore's death.

Explore the places where we come together and fall apart. The Wide Open brings nuanced reporting on under-covered environmental issues. Our deep storytelling provides context to the forces shaping our lives — with plenty of adventure, wildlife and rich sound along the way.
Become a sustaining member for as low as $5/month
Make an annual or one-time donation to support MTPR
Pay an existing pledge or update your payment information
Related Content