Montana Authorities Identify Victim Found Dead in Freezer

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Police in Cut Bank, Montana have identified the victim found dead in a freezer as 36-year-old Cerenity Marie Shawl. Authorities say Shawl died from a single gunshot wound to the head, and her death has been ruled a homicide. The suspect, Alfred Joseph Smith, has been taken into custody, and a second person, Natasha Siliezar, is also being questioned.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing violent crime in rural Montana communities. The discovery of Shawl's body in a home freezer is a disturbing development that will likely raise concerns about public safety and the need for improved resources to investigate and prevent such heinous acts.

The details

According to the Glacier County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a call on February 7, 2026 reporting a possible deceased person in a freezer in the basement of a Cut Bank residence. Upon arrival, they found the body of Cerenity Marie Shawl, a 36-year-old local resident, with a single gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death has been ruled a homicide, and authorities have arrested Alfred Joseph Smith in connection with the crime. A second person, Natasha Siliezar, was also questioned during the investigation.

• On February 7, 2026, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Glacier County Deputies responded to the report of a deceased person in a freezer.
• On February 9, 2026, authorities arrested Alfred Joseph Smith in connection with Cerenity Marie Shawl's death.

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to grant bail for Alfred Joseph Smith, the suspect arrested in connection with Cerenity Marie Shawl's homicide.