A Murder in Birdseye Area

If you look at my wall header and just over that first ridge is Threemile Road, with a short road offshoot, Turk Road. Since it's inception, Turk Rd. has been the center of contention by it's landowners. Road violations, trespassing, boundary disputes and people being the target of a high powered rifle were common happenings on Turk Rd. To my thinking, all residents were equally guilty of being "trigger happy hotheads."

Then the monstrous violation occurred when Mike Crites put a chain over an easement road so owners couldn't get to their property.  Lawsuits and threats became the norm as neighbors took sides.  Mike Crites, with his 4 wolf dogs, was living his Montana dream off the grid as neighbors gave mixed messages about his personal life. In June, 2011, Crites wolf dogs were discovered running loose and Crites was missing. Where would he go since his wallet and pick-up were in his yard.

Six months later, Crites dismembered body was found in plastic bags at McDonald Pass outside of Helena. From news reports, there seem to be a couple of suspects but without any evidence.  No one is talking. Perhaps the neighbors know and are honoring a code of silence as to who did this chilling murder. The crime has put a halt on all real estate sales within the Birdseye area. Who would buy a house in an area where a crazed killer resides? Some people just left their homes and "for sale" signs reign supreme. I guess I am lucky that a neighbor is buying my ranch. The deed will pass this coming Wednesday.

Most people don't dwell on the fact that a murderer is living among us. I didn't....... not until another article reminding us of the crime appeared in the newspaper.  There is very little crime in Helena, made apparent by all the unlocked houses and car doors. But when there is a crime, it's a bone-chilling whopper.