Missoula Man Arrested After Violently Assaulting His Mother

Donovan Bailey allegedly broke his mother's phone and assaulted her with her walker, leaving her injured and unable to call for help.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 39-year-old Missoula man named Donovan Bailey has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated burglary, felony partner or family member assault, and criminal destruction of or tampering with a communication device after allegedly breaking into his 63-year-old disabled mother's home, assaulting her with her walker, and destroying her phone so she couldn't call for help.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious issue of elder abuse and the vulnerability of disabled individuals, especially when they rely on others for care. It also raises concerns about repeat offenders and the challenges of protecting victims in domestic violence situations.

The details

According to police reports, Donovan Bailey broke into his mother Jane Doe's home, where he is prohibited from being, and began yelling at her that she owed him money. When Doe tried to call the police, Bailey grabbed her phone and broke it. He then grabbed Doe's walker and slammed it down on her legs and stomach, leaving her injured. Bailey also took Doe's caretaker's phone, which she later found in the garbage.

  • On February 17, 2026, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a reported burglary on Charlo Street.
  • On February 18, at approximately 12:04 PM, Missoula Pretrial called the police to report that Donovan was in their lobby in the courthouse.

The players

Donovan Bailey

A 39-year-old Missoula man who has been charged with felony aggravated burglary, felony partner or family member assault, and criminal destruction of or tampering with a communication device after allegedly assaulting his disabled mother.

Jane Doe

A 63-year-old disabled woman who is paralyzed from the waist down, mostly blind, and relies on others for food and basic needs. She is the mother of Donovan Bailey and the victim of his alleged assault.

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What they’re saying

“Donovan became very angry and began yelling that she owed him money.”

— Jane Doe (z100missoula.com)

What’s next

Donovan Bailey's bond was set at $50,000, and he is currently being held on the charges of felony aggravated burglary, felony partner or family member assault, and criminal destruction of or tampering with a communication device.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgent need for better protections and support services for vulnerable, disabled individuals who are at risk of abuse and violence, especially from family members. It also underscores the challenges of addressing repeat offenders in domestic violence situations and the importance of ensuring victims have the resources they need to stay safe.