GREAT FALLS, MT — 20-Year-Old Woman Charged in Deadly Early-Morning Shooting That Shook Residential Community
GREAT FALLS, MT — June 9, 2025 — A quiet Sunday morning was shattered by violence in Great Falls after an early-morning shooting at a residential complex left one person dead and another seriously injured. The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Charlotte Andrade, now faces serious felony charges, including one count of deliberate homicide and one count of attempted deliberate homicide, stemming from what police describe as a chaotic and deeply disturbing incident.
The shooting occurred in the early hours of Sunday, June 9, drawing a heavy police response to a multi-unit housing complex located within city limits. Upon arrival, officers with the Great Falls Police Department discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds. One of the victims was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
A Violent Turn in the Night
While the full sequence of events remains under investigation, police reports suggest the shooting was not random. Authorities believe Andrade knew the victims and that the incident may have escalated from an earlier confrontation. The circumstances surrounding the dispute have not been fully disclosed, but investigators are actively piecing together the timeline and interviewing witnesses.
“There was a lot of chaos when officers arrived,” said a spokesperson for the Great Falls Police Department. “The scene was tense, with multiple people present. Immediate aid was given to the victims, and our officers quickly took control of the situation.”
Andrade was detained at the scene and formally charged later that day. She is currently being held at the Cascade County Detention Center and is expected to make her first court appearance later this week.
The Charges: Deliberate and Attempted Homicide
The charges filed against Andrade are among the most serious in Montana’s criminal code. Deliberate homicide is equivalent to premeditated murder in many jurisdictions and carries a potential sentence of life in prison. Attempted deliberate homicide, likewise, is treated with extreme gravity under state law and could also result in decades behind bars if convicted.
Prosecutors say the evidence so far supports intentional actions by Andrade, although they stopped short of declaring a clear motive. Investigators are still gathering witness statements, ballistics evidence, and forensic material from the scene to build a complete picture of what led up to the shooting.
Community in Shock
The residential complex where the incident occurred is home to many families and young professionals, and the shooting has left neighbors stunned.
“This isn’t something you expect to wake up to,” said one resident who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s terrifying. We’re used to peace and quiet here — not police tape and sirens.”
The Great Falls Police Department has increased patrols in the area as a precaution and to reassure the community while the investigation remains active.
Victims and Identities
As of this writing, the identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin. The condition of the surviving victim has been described as serious but stable, and medical staff continue to monitor their recovery closely.
Authorities say they will share additional details about the victims and their relationship to the suspect as soon as it becomes appropriate and respectful to do so.
What’s Next in the Legal Process
Charlotte Andrade is expected to be arraigned on the charges within the coming days. Depending on the outcome of the preliminary hearings, she could face a grand jury indictment or a formal trial. Legal analysts expect the case to draw considerable attention due to the severity of the charges and the young age of the suspect.
Public defenders have been assigned to represent Andrade for the time being. No statements have been made yet by her legal team, and it is unclear whether she will enter a plea of not guilty or seek to negotiate through the courts.
A Tragic Day for Great Falls
As the community grapples with this tragedy, local leaders and advocates are calling for reflection, support for those affected, and continued vigilance.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless loss of life,” said a statement from the city’s mayor. “We will stand with the families impacted and support our police as they work toward justice.”
Anyone with additional information about the incident is urged to contact the Great Falls Police Department at (406) 455-8599.