Case V. Montana: Oral Arguments

Case Summary:After receiving a report from his ex-girlfriend that he was threatening suicide and may have shot himself, law enforcement officers in Montana responded to William Case’s home. The officers were aware of Case’s mental health and substance abuse history, as well as prior threats of suicide and confrontations with police. Upon arrival, they received further details about the phone call from Case’s ex-girlfriend, observed an empty handgun holster, a notepad resembling a suicide note, and noted Case’s lack of response to their attempts at contact. Believing Case might be injured or at risk of imminent harm, the officers entered the home without a warrant to render emergency aid. During their search, Case emerged from a closet holding an object that appeared to be a gun, prompting an officer to shoot and injure him. A handgun was found near where Case had been standing.