March 20, 2019
Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler and Lindsey Palmer, the wife of Trooper Wade Palmer, provided the following statements today:
“There have been some false rumors circulating about Trooper Palmer’s condition,” Montana Highway Patrol Chief Tom Butler said. “While we understand that the chatter can arise from a place of genuine concern and goodwill, please understand that when Wade’s friends and relatives see misinformation posted about his condition, it is very upsetting, especially when they have to take the time and energy to dispel the rumors. With that in mind, please do not circulate or repeat a rumor or information about Trooper Palmer unless it has been verified by the Montana Highway Patrol or Department of Justice.”
Butler added, “The Highway Patrol has been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement seen in recent days. It is clear the silent majority supports their law enforcement officers. Please continue to keep Trooper Palmer and the Missoula shooting victims in your thoughts and prayers.”
Lindsey, Trooper Palmer’s wife, has shared the following update on Wade’s condition:
“Trooper Palmer was shot three times in the head, face and neck. He is stable but his condition is still considered extremely critical. He remains in a medically induced coma at a Utah hospital. He has not regained consciousness since the shooting on Friday. Due to the nature and extent of his injuries, it may be some time before we know more about his prognosis. The family asks for the public’s patience and for their understanding that updates will not necessarily be available on a daily basis. We will keep everyone updated as appropriate via the Highway Patrol and Department of Justice. We remain cautiously optimistic that Wade will continue to see steady improvements. We recognize, however, that the overall understanding of these improvements and what they mean in the long run is still evolving and unknown at this time. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support and prayers for Wade and for us.”
Palmer, from Stevensville, was shot and critically injured while investigating a killing in Missoula last Thursday, according to a report by the Associated Press published in the Great Falls Tribune. According to the story, a little over an hour after a woman was killed and two others wounded by gunfire in Missoula, Palmer came upon the suspect’s vehicle on U.S. Highway 93 near a bar in Evaro. Palmer is said to have reported to dispatchers that he was under fire, but then didn’t answer his radio. Another trooper arrived, according to the story, and found Palmer wounded and still buckled into his patrol car. He was first taken to a hospital in Missoula then transferred to a Salt Lake City hospital where he remains in critical condition as of Monday.
A suspect in the shootings, Johnathan Bertsch, has been arrested and charged with one count of deliberate homicide and three counts of attempted deliberate homicide and remains in detention in Missoula.
Palmer has been a trooper since 2012. He has a wife and two children, and he won the law enforcement agency’s highest honor, the Medal of Valor, in 2015.
Stevensville Mayor Brandon Dewey issued a public statement the day of the shootings, saying in part, “The strength of our community has again been challenged by tragedy and sadness today. A resident of Stevensville, Montana, Highway Patrol Trooper Wade Palmer represents the best of our Town and the State of Montana with his bravery and courage in his law enforcement career, especially in this morning’s incident.
“Trooper Palmer and the victims in today’s events, along with their families and our community are in the prayers of Tasha and I this weekend. We embolden the Stevensville community to keep these people in your caring thoughts during this period of healing and recovery.”
On Monday, Lindsey Palmer, the wife of Trooper Wade Palmer, issued the following statement:
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to Montana and Utah for all of their support, and to all of the caring people throughout the nation that have offered prayers and positive messages. To all of the brothers and sisters in blue, words cannot express the appreciation we have for all that you have done and for reaching out. We are holding strong and the continued aid is greatly appreciated. Knowing that our communities are coming together at our time of need is a great comfort. It gives us the ability to focus our attention on Wade and family which is the most important thing at this time. Hold the line. Stay strong.”
Trooper Wade Palmer continues to receive care in Salt Lake City.
The Montana Department of Justice’s investigation into the Evaro Hill shooting is still in progress.