The Glacier County Sheriff’s Office has identified Cerenity Maria Shawl, 36, as the woman whose body was discovered in Cut Bank on Saturday, February 7, 2026, in what authorities have confirmed is a homicide.
According to Sheriff Tom Seifert, Shawl’s body was found inside a freezer located in the basement of a residence. An autopsy later determined that she died from a gunshot wound to the head, and her death has officially been ruled a homicide. At this time, investigators have not released additional information regarding a possible motive or the circumstances leading up to her death.
The discovery prompted an intensive investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies across north-central Montana. Early in the case, authorities identified Alfred Joseph Smith as the primary suspect, and a warrant was issued for his arrest on a charge of deliberate homicide.
On Monday, February 9, the investigation took a critical turn. At approximately 2:25 p.m., Glacier County Dispatch received a tip from the public reporting that a vehicle believed to be connected to the homicide had been spotted in Fort Benton. The vehicle matched the description previously released by law enforcement—a 2019 blue/purple Hyundai Elantra bearing Montana license plate EJG626.
Deputies with the Chouteau County Sheriff’s Office quickly located the vehicle. Sheriff Justin Smith detailed the events in a subsequent news release, stating that dispatch received a call at approximately 2:32 p.m. indicating the Hyundai Elantra had been seen near the EGT grain bin area around mile marker 31 on U.S. Highway 87.
Undersheriff Jacques located the vehicle shortly afterward near mile marker 39 as it turned toward Fort Benton. He followed the car as it traveled onto Highway 386 and then onto 13th Street, where Sheriff Smith joined the pursuit. The vehicle eventually pulled into the gas pumps at the Joyco gas station, located at 816 13th Street.
At 2:44 p.m., law enforcement initiated a high-risk traffic stop. Additional units, including Corporal Skunkcap and Deputy Smith, arrived on scene. Both occupants of the vehicle were removed without incident.
Authorities identified the driver as Natasha Siliezar, 46, and the passenger as Alfred Joseph Smith, 43. Both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Chouteau County Detention Center in Fort Benton.
Smith was arrested on the outstanding warrant for deliberate homicide and is currently being held on $1,000,000 bail. Siliezar, who had been named earlier by law enforcement as a possible companion of Smith, is being held for questioning in connection with the investigation.
The Hyundai Elantra was seized and secured for evidence processing, while additional agencies—including the Montana Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service—assisted on scene and conducted area searches.
Cut Bank Police Chief Michael Schultz praised the collaborative effort and emphasized the importance of community involvement in a news release following the arrest.
“This arrest would not have happened so quickly without the help from the public,” Schultz said. “We appreciate all the calls, emails, and messages that eventually led to the arrest in this matter.”
Prior to Smith’s arrest, law enforcement agencies had issued public warnings, stating that Smith should be considered armed and dangerous, and urging anyone with information about his whereabouts or recent activities to contact authorities immediately.
The investigation began when Cut Bank Police confirmed on February 8, 2026, that a body had been found inside an apartment complex the previous day. As evidence mounted, Alfred Joseph Smith was named as the suspect, and a manhunt followed until his arrest less than 48 hours later.
As of now, authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional details may be released as the case progresses through the judicial system.
Law enforcement officials continue to ask anyone with further information related to the case to contact Glacier County Dispatch at 406-873-2711 or email mschultz@cityofcutbank.org.
Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.