In the quiet city of Great Falls, Montana, the life of 55-year-old Caucasian resident JoAnn Malone came to a tragic and violent end on March 17, 2023. A woman known for her dedication to helping others navigate the difficult path of recovery from addiction and mental health challenges, she was a beacon of hope for many in the community. Through her work as the founder of Seeking Recovery LLC, she drew upon her own past experiences to connect with and counsel those in need.
The evening of
that fateful day was shattered by the sound of gunshots emanating from a residence on 3rd West Hill Drive. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered JoAnn Malone deceased, having suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. Her death was quickly ruled a homicide, leaving a community in shock and mourning the loss of a compassionate leader.
Investigators swiftly identified a suspect in the shooting, her estranged husband, Chae Buchholz. It is believed that a dispute over money may have been the motive behind the tragic event. After the shooting, Buchholz fled the scene, sparking a multi-agency law enforcement pursuit that stretched into Pondera County.
The chase culminated in a lengthy standoff with authorities near the boat dock in Valier. For three hours, officers attempted to negotiate with Buchholz. The tense situation concluded when Buchholz took his own life with a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his vehicle. In the wake of the tragedy, JoAnn Malone's company expressed their profound sorrow, assuring the community that her mission to help would endure in her honor.
