In the late afternoon of April 27, 2020, a dispute that began over a drug transaction tragically escalated, leading to the death of 24-year-old Brett Ness, a White male from Billings, Montana. The fatal encounter took place on the porch of his own residence, shattering the peace of the neighborhood and leaving a family to grieve a sudden and violent loss.
Ness, a father and a graduate of Billings Senior High School, was known by friends and family for his kind heart and willingness to help others.
The series of events that culminated in the shooting started a few days prior, involving a methamphetamine transaction. On the day of the incident, a group of eight people, including Alexander Garrett LaForge III, arrived at Ness's home in two vehicles to confront him about the disputed deal. Tensions quickly rose, and what began as a confrontation over money and drugs spiraled into a violent and irreversible act.
Amid the escalating conflict, Alexander Garrett LaForge III fired a single shot from a. 45 caliber pistol, striking Brett Ness in the head. First responders discovered Ness on the ground with a significant head wound. He was transported to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries later that day, surrounded by his family. The immediate aftermath saw a police investigation that identified LaForge as the primary suspect in the homicide.
In the ensuing legal process, Alexander Garrett LaForge III was charged with deliberate homicide for the death of Brett Ness. Several of the other individuals who were present during the shooting received plea deals in exchange for their testimony against LaForge. Their accounts were crucial in piecing together the events of that fatal afternoon. Ultimately, a jury found LaForge guilty of deliberate homicide. He was sentenced to a lengthy prison term for his role in the death of Brett Ness, bringing a close to the criminal proceedings but leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.
