A brutal murder has shaken the Crow Indian Reservation, as 27-year-old Taylor Leigh Plainbull is accused of premeditated murder.
Plainbull was arrested in Billings on Tuesday by the Billings Police on a federal warrant alleging that he murdered a person with premeditation on the Crow Indian Reservation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
A criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday alleges that Plainbull committed first degree murder. He is scheduled to have an initial appearance on Wednesday in U.S. District Court.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, Victim 1, an adult female, was driving from Pryor to Billings in a vehicle with Victim 2, an adult male, and Victim 3, a minor child. Plainbull had previously been in a relationship with Victim 1.
Victim 1 was driving westbound on Highway 416, also known as Blue Creek Road, when she was passed by Plainbull, who was driving eastbound towards Pryor. Plainbull was driving what is believed to be a stolen truck. The owner of the stolen truck reported that it contained firearms, including a semiautomatic pistol.
Plainbull turned around and chased after Victim 1, then passed her vehicle and stepped on the brakes, forcing Victim 1’s vehicle off the road into a ditch. The weather was cold and snowy, and Victim 1 was unable to drive the car out of the ditch. Victim 1 locked the doors, while Victim 2 called 911, and at the same time Plainbull approached the car brandishing a pistol.
According to the criminal complaint and affidavit, Victim 2 reported hearing gunshots. Victim 2 sustained an injury to his forehead. Based on a preliminary examination of the scene, it appeared that Victim 1 was struck by at least one bullet. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Victim 3 exited the vehicle. Plainbull grabbed Victim 3 and drove away in the truck. Victim 3 was located later.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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