UPDATE: 2 p.m. - February 6, 2024
Deputies have located the vehicle believed to be involved in the hit-and-run death of a Laurel woman, whose body was found Sunday night east of town, according to Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder.
The vehicle owner contacted detectives after seeing a post on social media from the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, according to Linder.
The investigation continues, and Linder said the county attorney's office will review and determine whether charges will be filed.
This morning, the sheriff's office identified the woman as 28-year-old Kassi McColly, who was reported missing last week.
Her body was found near the tracks near Old Highway 10 East and Sietz Ronan Road.
Authorities believe she was struck on the evening of January 31.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Det. Johnson with the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office at 406-245-2941.
Detectives are seeking possible witnesses, anyone with video security systems in the area.
(first report: 10:39 a.m. - February 6, 2024)
The Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday morning the body discovered by railroad tracks near Laurel was identified as a missing woman who investigators believe was killed in a hit-and-run.
Sheriff Mike Linder said the deceased woman has been identified as 28-year-old Kassi McColly of Laurel, who was reported missing last week.
"Information derived from the autopsy indicates Ms. McColley’s injuries were consistent with being struck by a motor vehicle," Linder said in a press release. "Evidence recovered at the scene by Sheriff’s Detectives lead investigators to believe that the vehicle involved is a 2017 – 2022 Chevrolet TRAX, Silver in color...Two of the items recovered at the scene include, the external passenger (right-side) mirror, and the molding from the right-front wheel well or fender."
The car is similar to the one in this photo:
Investigators believe McColly was struck between shortly after 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Wednesday, January 31, Linder said. Her body was found Sunday near the tracks near Old Highway 10 East and Sietz Ronan Road.
The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating the suspect vehicle, as well as any other information that might be helpful to this investigation.
"In addition, anyone who may have security cameras that have coverage of Hwy 10 East, especially in the area near Milwaukee Avenue, who have not yet contacted our office, are asked to review their video between 10:00 and 11:00 pm last Wednesday, to see if they may have captured video of the described vehicle or someone walking near the road," the press release states.
Anyone with information — including possible video — is asked to call Det. Johnson at 406-256-2941.
