In the early morning hours of July 13, 2025, a gathering of friends in a Great Falls, Montana, Target parking lot turned into a scene of tragedy. Jackson Hunter Molnar, a 19-year-old Caucasian male, was fatally shot in the head. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. when dispatch received a call about a male with a gunshot wound. When officers arrived, they found Molnar on the ground between two of the three vehicles where the group had been congregating.
Investigations revealed that
Molnar was with three other individuals: Ryan Van Nguyen, Tyler Brigham, and Maiyha Gutierrez. According to court documents, the group was showing off their guns while sitting in the backseat of one of the vehicles. Molnar had expressed interest in seeing Nguyen's gun. As Nguyen was reportedly preparing to clear the firearm, Molnar grabbed the slide and pulled it toward himself. With Nguyen's finger on the trigger, the gun discharged, striking Molnar. Nguyen immediately expressed his shock, stating to Brigham, 'I just shot Jackson.' Officers at the scene observed alcoholic beverages in and around the vehicles, leading them to believe the individuals had been drinking.
In the aftermath, 19-year-old Ryan Van Nguyen was charged with negligent homicide. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. An obituary described Jackson Molnar as an outgoing and genuine person whose smile could light up a room. It noted his love for his family, his talent as a musician who played the violin and piano, and his recent growth in his faith. A memorial service was held to celebrate his life, which was tragically cut short.
