Paul Hamby

Billings

Public Safety Reporter at Billings Gazette

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Articles

Hardin woman charged in Billings homicide that started as a truck robbery

1 week ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday to killing a man earlier this month and dumping his body in an alley in Billings as part of an alleged robbery. Violet Jeanine Littlelight, of Hardin, was charged in Yellowstone County District Court with murder and tampering with evidence a day after she was arrested. The 22-year-old’s arrest followed an investigation on the part of the Billings Police Department and agents with the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Part 2 - End of 2025 session: Missouri legislative report - Gasconade County Republican

1 week ago | gasconadecountyrepublican.com | Paul Hamby

Posted 5/28/25The 2025 legislative session ended early with the Senate closing shop on Wednesday, May 14. Here is part 2 of our end of session report. Passed HJR 73. Gives voters a second chance to determine …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Billings man convicted of homicide in West End drive-by shooting

2 weeks ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A Yellowstone County jury convicted a Billings man Friday of fatally shooting a driver last summer in the fallout of a fight on the West End. Loren Cody Smoker had just turned 25 at the start of his homicide trial earlier this week. After five days of testimony, jurors deliberated for two hours before reaching their verdict. “The defendant knew what he was doing,” said Yellowstone County Prosecutor Lacey Fortin in her closing argument to jurors Friday morning.
Montana prison escapee sentenced to 70 years for murder

2 weeks ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A man already serving prison time was sentenced Thursday to an additional 70 years for killing someone in Billings in 2022. Branden Kord Rockabove admitted earlier this year to fatally shooting Walker Takes Horse. At the 24-year-old’s sentencing, members of Takes Horse’s family sat behind the bar and watched the hearing via teleconference. The night Rockabove shot Takes Horse, both men had escaped from a prison release program in Great Falls.
End of 2025 session: Missouri legislative report - Gasconade County Republican

2 weeks ago | gasconadecountyrepublican.com | Paul Hamby

Posted 5/21/25by Paul Hamby The 2025 legislative session ended last week. Missouri reps and senators filed more than 2600 bills this year. Sixteen budget bills passed with a total spending of 52.5 billion, …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Billings man charged in drive-by shooting death now on trial

2 weeks ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A trial is underway for a Billings man accused of killing someone in a drive-by shooting last year. Loren Cody Smoker has been charged in Yellowstone County District Court with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence, with prosecutors alleging the 25-year-old fatally shot a man, then tried to hide his firearm. The victim in the shooting was 27-year-old Dennis Fabian Rolon.
Billings man found Friday stabbed to death on the South Side

2 weeks ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A Billings man killed over the weekend has been identified, and an investigation into his death is underway. First responders found the body of Keith Troy Breckenridge in an alleyway on the South Side. On Monday, Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Valerie Juhl said the 51-year-old was stabbed to death. Late on the night of May 16, officers with the Billings Police Department responded to a report of an unconscious man in an alleyway in the neighborhood of Adams Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
Billings horse airlifted out of Yellowstone River

3 weeks ago | billingsgazette.com | Paul Hamby

A horse brought itself to water, scrambling Yellowstone County rescue crews Friday morning. As of 9 a.m., a helicopter had been dispatched to the Yellowstone River near Mullowney Lane and was preparing to lift a horse that had managed to get loose from a pasture and wandered onto a gravel bar. “We’re getting ready to lift him up now,” said Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder. This article will be updated. Love Funny Wow Sad Angry
UPDATE: Sheriff's helicopter rescues horse trapped in Yellowstone River

3 weeks ago | easternprogress.com | Paul Hamby

A horse brought itself to water, scrambling Yellowstone County rescue crews Friday morning. A gelding that wandered off a property near Duck Creek was stranded on a gravel bar, prompting a helicopter crew to airlift him out of there. “The horse is safe and sound,” said Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder, who watched as his agency’s helicopter picked up the horse from the riverbank and returned him to his owner, who was waiting with a trailer. “He was eating grass, last I heard,” Linder said.
UPDATE: Sheriff's helicopter rescues horse trapped in Yellowstone River

3 weeks ago | wvnews.com | Paul Hamby

A horse brought itself to water, scrambling Yellowstone County rescue crews Friday morning. A gelding that wandered off a property near Duck Creek was stranded on a gravel bar, prompting a helicopter crew to airlift him out of there. “The horse is safe and sound,” said Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder, who watched as his agency’s helicopter picked the horse from the riverbank and returned him to his owner, who was waiting with a trailer. “He was eating grass, last I heard,” Linder said.