Wayland Lance Limpy Jr., a 19-year-old Native American male from Lame Deer, Montana, lost his life to gun violence on July 23, 2025, in Billings. Born on December 28, 2005, at Crow Hospital to Contessa Shoulderblade and Wayland Limpy Sr., he was known to his loved ones as an outgoing individual with many dreams. He had recently graduated from Lame Deer High School on May 27, 2024.
He was a protective older brother to his sister Kayland and enjoyed spending his time playing basketball with his siblings at People's Park, playing Xbox with his younger brothers Drayland and Trayland, and throwing a football around. During his school years, which he attended in Lame Deer, Helena, and Colstrip, he was active in sports, participating in flag football, tackle football, basketball, and wrestling. He was known for being constantly on the go, whether it was hanging out with his friends, swimming, or riding his bike.
His adventurous spirit also led him on late-night trips to Denny's and travels to North Dakota, Idaho, and South Dakota with his aunts.
Following the shooting on Cook Avenue, the Billings Police Department began investigating his death as a possible homicide. Authorities announced that they were seeking two individuals who may have had information regarding the incident. As of the immediate aftermath, law enforcement had not made any arrests or publicly identified any suspects in connection with the shooting. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death was ongoing.
