On a tragic day in June of 2015, the life of 1-year-old mixed-race Arie Bournes was cut short in a remote cabin located in Montana's Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. Arie, a female, was found deceased on June 7, 2015, a victim of a horrific event that also claimed the lives of her mother and two older brothers. The family had been living off the grid in a cabin built by Arie's father, relatively unknown to local officials.
The investigation into the deaths quickly revealed a grim
picture. Authorities determined that Arie's father, Michael Augustine Bournes, was the perpetrator of the killings in a murder-suicide. Prior to the incident, he had contacted an acquaintance, confessing that he had killed his family. This acquaintance promptly alerted the authorities, who then discovered the devastating scene at the family's secluded home. It is believed that Michael Bournes shot his wife and then Arie, who was in her crib. He then shot his two sons outside the cabin before bringing their bodies inside.
After killing his family, Michael Bournes set a piece of furniture on fire inside the cabin. He then laid down next to the bodies of his children and took his own life. The motive for this tragic event is believed to be a conflict with his wife, Arie Arlynn Lee, who he claimed had been "mocking him and riding him all day." An investigation into Michael Bournes' background revealed anti-government sentiments and a history of legal issues that had reportedly fueled his distrust of authority. The small community of Deer Lodge was left in shock by the loss of the entire family under such harrowing circumstances. As the sole perpetrator, Michael Augustine Bournes died at the scene, and consequently, no arrests were made in connection with Arie's death.
