Missoula shooting case brings new attempted homicide charge

Missoula, Mont. — The Missoula Police Department said 27-year-old Josef Manchester is facing amended charges in connection with a July 16, 2025 shooting investigation in the 2000 block of Cooper Street.

Court filings submitted April 16, 2026, in Fourth Judicial District Court add attempted deliberate homicide as an alternative to assault with a weapon. The updated charges also include a new felony count related to solicitation of prohibited conduct involving an animal.

Investigators said the case has continued to develop through work by a task force officer assigned to the Missoula Drug Task Force, including search warrants, forensic analysis and a review of digital evidence.

That digital review revealed additional conduct involving an animal owned by Manchester. Officials declined to release further details, citing the sensitive nature of the information.

The Missoula Police Department said cases involving animal abuse or exploitation are taken seriously.

The investigation remains active as authorities continue working with the Missoula County Attorney’s Office.

Police said the charges are allegations and Manchester is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.