Michael J. Ackerman, Multiple Second-Degree Murder Charges, Montana 2025

GREAT FALLS – A gruesome triple homicide shook the small town of Poplar, Montana on September 11. Now, the man accused of the heinous crime has appeared in court.

Michael J. Ackerman, a 73-year-old man also known as Michael J. Littlebull, made his court appearance on the complaint alleging he committed three counts of second-degree murder. If convicted, Ackerman faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.

According to the affidavit in support of the complaint, an individual called the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office on September 14, 2025, to report Ackerman admitted to killing three people in Poplar. Deputies interviewed Ackerman, who claimed he was using methamphetamine with the victims on September 11. Ackerman alleged the victims were ‘setting him up’ and that he shot and killed them with his Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol.

Fort Peck Tribal law enforcement responded to the residence and found the three victims dead from apparent gunshot wounds. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is prosecuting the case. Ackerman was detained pending further proceedings, which is standard procedure in cases involving serious charges.

In a statement, U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan presided over the court appearance. Ackerman is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The complaint is merely an accusation, and the outcome of the case will be determined by the court.

The investigation and proceedings in this case are ongoing. The public is urged to monitor the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system for updates on the case. A PACER account can be established to review documents filed in the case. The PACER system can be accessed at www.pacer.gov/register.html. The District Court’s calendar can be accessed at https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl.

In this case, the defendant is facing serious charges that carry significant penalties. Ackerman’s current status is detained pending further proceedings. The outcome of the case will be determined by the court.

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