Bozeman Police fatally shot 29-year-old Woman, Rick Alastor Newman during a confrontation
Gallatin County Sheriff and Coroner Dan Springer has identified the woman fatally shot by Bozeman Police as 29-year-old Rick Alastor Newman from Bozeman. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 17, 2024, has left the community in shock as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
In a press release issued Friday, Sheriff Springer confirmed that Newman died from traumatic injuries caused by ballistic projectiles. The use of firearms in the incident has raised questions about the events leading up to the fatal shooting, but specific details of the confrontation between Newman and law enforcement have yet to be disclosed.
Because of the involvement of the Bozeman Police Department in the fatal shooting, an external coroner was brought in to oversee the investigation, as is standard protocol in such cases. Sheriff Springer appointed Park County Coroner Al Jenkins to conduct the formal investigation to ensure an independent and unbiased examination of the facts.
The decision to involve an external coroner is often taken to avoid any potential conflicts of interest when law enforcement officers are involved in incidents that result in death. In this case, Coroner Jenkins is expected to provide a thorough review of the evidence, including an autopsy and forensic analysis, to determine the exact circumstances of Newman’s death.
As the investigation unfolds, both the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office and the Bozeman Police Department are cooperating with external authorities to ensure transparency in the case. The police department has not yet commented on the specific actions taken by the officers during the incident, nor has it provided information on whether any charges or disciplinary actions are being considered.
The tragic death of Rick Alastor Newman has sparked concern within the Bozeman community, with many awaiting further details from the ongoing investigation. Authorities have urged patience as they work to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting and ensure that a fair and complete investigation is conducted.
For now, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances of Newman’s death and holding the appropriate parties accountable. Further updates from the investigation are expected in the coming days.
