Casey Blanchard was shot on the evening of March 14 in Missoula when he exited his vehicle to check on a motorist who he thought needed assistance. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer was later shot attempting to locate the same suspect involved in the earlier shootings that injured Casey and his mother Julie and killed Shelley Hays.
Casey and his wife, Leah, have asked the Department of Justice to provide the following update on Casey’s condition:
“As of April 16, 2019, we have officially moved to rehabilitation, which is a big step in this journey that we have been put through. Casey was shot eight times when he exited the vehicle. He was shot in the left arm, right chest, spine, abdomen and both legs. He has undergone ten surgeries. As of now, he is limited in most of life’s daily activities. He continues to make progress every day with the help of physical therapists, great doctors, and a phenomenal team. Our life has taken a 180 but we are prepared for every outcome this situation throws at us. Our family would like to thank everyone that has supported and prayed for us during this time. We wouldn’t be where we are today without you guys.”
To help support the Blanchards in their time of need, a spaghetti benefit dinner is being held in their honor on Saturday, April 27 from 4 to 8 p.m. at St. Mary’s Family Center in Stevensville. There will be a live and silent auction. Additionally, all Montana Buffalo Wild Wings locations are donating 20% of their proceeds on May 13 to the victims of the Missoula/Evaro shootings with the presentation of a coupon that can be downloaded at the following link: https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol/mt-buffalo-wild-wings-fundraiser/.