The Fatality Review Commission, authorized by MCA 2-15-2017, seeks to reduce homicides caused by family violence. The Commission meets twice yearly to review closed domestic homicide cases.
The review seeks to:
- Identify gaps in Montana’s system for protecting domestic violence victims
- Better coordinate multi-agency efforts to protect those most at risk of domestic homicide
After consulting with the Attorney General, the Commission determines which cases it will review. The Office of Victim Services coordinates the Commission’s work.
The Attorney General appoints Commission members from representatives of involved federal, state and private agencies, the medical and mental health community, law enforcement and the courts, Native Americans, the legislature and the MT Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.
Commission Members:
| Name | Position | Organization | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kate Croft | Victim Advocate | Red Lodge | Red Lodge |
| Connie Harvey | Therapist | Self-Employed | Lewistown |
| Jackson Bunch | Professor/Criminology | University of Montana | Missoula |
| Dan Murphy | LE Officer | Butte-Silver Bow Law Enforcement | Butte |
| Diana Garrett | Attorney | Montana Legal Services Association | Missoula |
| Glen Stinar | Administrator | MT Law Enforcement Academy | Helena |
| Rob Farris-Olsen | Legislator | MT House of Representatives | Helena |
| Jen Buckley | Tribal Liaison | Montana Board of Crime Control | Missoula |
| Joan Eliel | Director OVS/Team Coordinator | Montana Dept. of Justice | Helena |
| John C. Brown | District Judge | State of Montana | Bozeman |
| John Buttram | Licensed Professional Counselor | Batterers' Treatment Program | Kalispell |
| Lee Johnson | Investigator | Division of Criminal Investigation | Bozeman |
| Julie Kelso | Psychiatrist | Billings Clinic | Billings |
| Vacant | Child and Family Services Division | Helena | |
| Suzy Boylan | Prosecutor | Missoula County | Missoula |
| Warren Hiebert | Chaplain | Gallatin County Sheriff's Department | Bozeman |
Native American Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team Members:
Name Position Organization City
Andy Huff Attorney Private practice Helena
Beki Brandborg Team Facilitator Self-employed Helena
Bryan Dake Asst. U.S. Attorney Office of the U.S. Attorney Billings
Eric Barnosky Regional Administrator DPHHS/CFSD Miles City
Erin Harris Victim Specialist FBI Billings
Georgette Baggio Attorney Private practice Hardin
Harlan Trombley Native American Liaison Department of Corrections Great Falls
Joan Eliel Team Coordinator Department of Justice Helena
Lacey Alexander-Small Integrated Academy Coordinator Montana Primary Care Association Hardin
Lenora Nioce Asst. SA in Charge Bureau of Indian Affairs Billings
Leslie Hagen Indian Country Training Coordinator U.S. Department of Justice Columbia, SC
Mistee Rides at the Door Presenting Officer Blackfeet Family Court Browning
Neil Websdale Director National DV Fatality Review Initiative Flagstaff, AZ
Stacie Four Star Chief Judge Fort Peck Tribes Poplar
Stephanie Iron Shooter Caring Schools Coordinator Office of Public Instruction Billings
Steve Lowe Special Agent FBI Billings
Wendy Bremner Victim Specialist Bureau of Indian Affairs Browning
Biennial Report – While the Commission meetings and records are confidential, state law requires it to publish a report detailing its findings and recommendations.
- 2019 Report (PDF)
- 2017 Report (PDF)
- 2015 Report (PDF)
- 2013 Report (PDF)
- 2011 Report (PDF)
- 2009 Report (PDF)
- 2007 Report (PDF)
- 2005 Report (PDF)
The National Domestic Violence Fatality Review Initiative, housed at the Northern Arizona University, acts as a clearinghouse and resource center dedicated to domestic violence fatality review.
Contact
For further information about the Fatality Review Commission, contact:
Joan Eliel, Executive Director
Office of Victim Services
Department of Justice
P.O. Box 201410
Helena, MT 59620-1410
Phone: (406) 444-1907
Fax: (406) 442-2174
E-mail: [email protected]