Top Violent Crime News in Helena, Montana 2006

The population of Helena Montana is less than 50,000 people. The incident of violent crime has increased as demonstrated by data collected by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Specifically, Helena murders and rapes exceed the national average. There was a homicide over the weekend involving a 41-year-old man, a California native who recently graduated from the University of Montana Law School. He was a clerk for the Montana Supreme Court.

Apparently Mr. Raftery, the deceased, was walking home in the downtown area after watching the University of Montana football game at a popular local sports bar with friends. At this point all that is known as fact is that Mr. Raftery left the sports bar a little after 11:00 P.M. last Friday evening and was stabbed in the back while walking in the downtown vicinity.

Montana Justice Warner praised the work ethic and character of Mr. Raftery. The victim's family is en route to Helena from California.

According to a statement released by officials today, two young men have been arrested and charged with the crimes. According to varying reports the initial reason for the crime was not specific to the ultimate victim, Mr. Raftery. The pair arrested were driven around the downtown area by a young accomplice looking for someone to steal money from.

In what can only be described as an In Cold Blood scenario of events, Mr. Raftery had no money in his wallet. He was nonetheless stabbed in the back as he tried to flee from the scene. After the brutal attack he was able to reach a neighborhood home and emergency medical services were dispatched. Mr. Raftery was pronouced dead upon arrival at the local hospital.