GREAT FALLS, MT – A gruesome scene in Poplar, Montana, has led to the arrest of Michael J. Ackerman, 73, who is now facing charges in connection with the deaths of three individuals. The alleged killings took place on September 11, 2025, but details are only now emerging as the case moves through federal court.
U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced Ackerman, also known as Michael J. Littlebull, appeared in court yesterday on a complaint alleging three counts of second-degree murder. If convicted, Ackerman faces a potential life sentence, a hefty $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release. The case is being overseen by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan, who ordered Ackerman detained pending further legal proceedings.
The affidavit paints a disturbing picture. On September 14, 2025, the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office received a call from an individual reporting Ackerman’s own confession to the killings. According to deputies, Ackerman admitted to using methamphetamine with the three victims when he allegedly believed they were attempting to “set him up.” He then allegedly opened fire on them with his Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. The bodies were discovered at Ackerman’s Poplar residence by Fort Peck Tribal law enforcement, all bearing apparent gunshot wounds.
The victims’ identities have not yet been officially released, adding another layer of pain to this already tragic case. Investigators from the FBI, the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office are working collaboratively to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and establish a clear motive beyond Ackerman’s initial claims of being “set up.” Sources close to the investigation suggest a long-running dispute may have been a contributing factor, though details remain scarce.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley is leading the prosecution, and she is expected to present a strong case based on the confession, forensic evidence, and witness testimony. However, it’s crucial to remember that the complaint is merely an accusation, and Ackerman is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the potential for violence within communities.
Those interested in monitoring the progress of the case can access information through the U.S. District Court Calendar and the PACER system. PACER account registration can be found at http://www.pacer.gov/register.html, and the District Court’s calendar is available at https://ecf.mtd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/PublicCalendar.pl. The PACER case reference number is 25-106.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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