Montana Sheriff's Deputy Killed in Shooting That Left Police Officer Wounded and Woman Dead
What to Know
- Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, was killed while responding to a disturbance in Eureka on Oct. 30.
- A Eureka police officer was wounded but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- Investigators found Merrisa Walker, 46, dead at the scene; a juvenile female was treated and released.
EUREKA, Montana — A deputy with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office shot and killed Friday (Oct. 30) while responding to a disturbance call in Eureka. A Eureka police officer also was wounded, and investigators later discovered a second fatal shooting at the scene.
Deputy Ryan Terpsma, 28, responded to a disturbance at 8:23 p.m. at 118 Lone Pine Trail, accompanied by a Eureka police officer, according to a news release from Sheriff Darren Short.
Terpsma was shot and killed at the scene. The Eureka police officer was also struck by gunfire but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Matthew David Dye of Kalispell, fled toward Kalispell with a 7-year-old girl. Flathead County Sheriff's Office deputies located Dye and pursued him.
During the pursuit, Dye allegedly fired at deputies, disabling two patrol vehicles. A roadblock was established on Highway 93. Dye stopped shortly before reaching it and surrendered.
Investigators later determined that 46-year-old Merrisa Walker had also been shot and killed at the original scene. A juvenile female sustained injuries but was treated at the scene and released.
Dye is expected to face charges and appear for an initial hearing in Lincoln County Justice Court sometime next week.
At Sheriff Short's request, the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation will lead the investigation.
In a Facebook statement, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office expressed its grief over the deputy's death and asked the public to keep his family, friends and the law enforcement community in their thoughts and prayers.
"It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we mourn the tragic loss of one of our own, a Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy who was killed in the line of duty last night," the agency wrote. "Our hearts are broken."
Sheriff Short also acknowledged the impact of the loss on the county, noting that the community's support would be important as the Sheriff's Office and residents grieve Terpsma's death.
The investigation remains ongoing. The Sheriff's Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.
