MISSOULA — A man who was involved in an assault at Missoula's homeless shelter last week has passed away.
Missoula County Sheriff TJ McDermott reports that Sean Stevenson, 45, who is from out of state, died after being involved in an altercation on Friday night at the Poverello Center.
When the Missoula Police Department arrived at the scene, they found the man unresponsive in the basement of the facility and emergency personnel had to perform CPR.
Stevenson was then transported to St. Patrick Hospital where he passed away on Saturday.
Missoula County Deputy Attorney Matt Jennings confirmed on Monday afternoon with MTN News that the man has died.
Missoula Police arrested Johnny Lee Perry in connection to the assault, but Perry has since been released from the Missoula jail.
The Missoula County Attorney's Office has not filed charges in connection with the incident as Missoula Police investigate claims of self-defense.
Poverello Center Executive Director Amy Allison Thompson released the following statement:
"The Poverello Center staff work hard to ensure our shelter is as safe as possible for everyone we serve. The Poverello Center safely and professionally serves individuals who are in crisis every single day. We have strong policies and procedures, and the staff receives regular training so that we can respond quickly with compassion and care when a crisis impacts our guests.
Following these procedures staff immediately contacted the police and emergency medical services when the incident happened on the evening of Friday, January 3rd.
The staff of the Poverello Center is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our guests. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Because this is an active investigation, the Poverello Center will have no other comment at this time."
