Cut Bank Woman's Body Found in Freezer After Shooting

Authorities say the 36-year-old victim was shot in the head, with the accused killer trying to hide her body.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Authorities in Glacier County, Montana have released chilling details about a homicide that rocked the Cut Bank community over the weekend. A 36-year-old woman named Cerenity Marie Shawl was found shot in the head, with her body hidden in the basement freezer of a local man's apartment. The suspect, Alfred Joseph Smith, was apprehended in Fort Benton after a cross-country manhunt and is being held on $1 million bail.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of violent crime and public safety in rural Montana communities. The discovery of Shawl's body in a freezer has sent shockwaves through Cut Bank, raising questions about the suspect's motives and the need for stronger measures to address homicides and other serious offenses in the state.

The details

According to the Glacier County Sheriff's Office, Cerenity Marie Shawl was shot in the head, and the accused killer, Alfred Joseph Smith, attempted to hide her body in the basement freezer of his apartment. Police found Shawl's body on Saturday afternoon after receiving an anonymous tip, leading to a cross-country manhunt that ended with Smith's apprehension in Fort Benton on Monday. He is currently being held on a $1 million bail.

  • The incident occurred over the weekend in Cut Bank, Montana.
  • Shawl's body was discovered on Saturday afternoon.
  • Smith was apprehended on Monday in Fort Benton.

The players

Cerenity Marie Shawl

A 36-year-old woman from the Cut Bank area who was the victim of the homicide.

Alfred Joseph Smith

The 36-year-old suspect who has been charged with Shawl's murder and is being held on a $1 million bail.

Tom Seifert

The Glacier County Sheriff who released details about the case.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Alfred Joseph Smith out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of violent crime and public safety in rural Montana communities, raising questions about the suspect's motives and the need for stronger measures to address homicides and other serious offenses in the state.