Sarah Bailey Fatally Injured During Altercation with Kelsey Jo Staigmiller in Great Falls, Montana

GREAT FALLS, Mont. (May 23, 2025) — A tragic incident on Sunday, May 18, 2025, has left the Great Falls community mourning the loss of 50-year-old Sarah Bailey, a local business owner. Bailey sustained fatal injuries during an altercation with 31-year-old Kelsey Jo Staigmiller, who is now facing multiple felony charges in connection with the incident.

Sequence of Events

At approximately 5:57 p.m. on May 18, 2025, 911 dispatchers received reports of a disturbance at the Roberts Apartments located at 6 6th Street South in Great Falls. Witnesses reported that a woman, later identified as Staigmiller, was causing a commotion and had been locked out of the building. (greatfallsmt.net, KRTV NEWS Great Falls)

Subsequently, Staigmiller unlawfully entered a nearby pickup truck driven by Sarah Bailey. An altercation ensued between the two women inside the vehicle, which was then driven away in a “highly dangerous and erratic manner.” During the struggle, Bailey sustained injuries that led to her death. Her body was discovered near the intersection of 5th Street North and 1st Avenue North shortly after the incident. (KRTV NEWS Great Falls, KPAX News, KPAX News, The Electric –)

Apprehension of the Suspect

Staigmiller fled the scene in Bailey’s vehicle and was located several hours later near Bonner, Montana, by deputies from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office. She was reportedly uncooperative during the arrest, necessitating the use of less-lethal means to take her into custody. Staigmiller was subsequently booked into the Missoula County Detention Center on a $500,000 bond for felony robbery and other related offenses. (NonStop Local Billings, KPAX News, greatfallsmt.net)

Victim’s Background and Community Impact

Sarah Bailey was a well-known figure in the Great Falls community, owning the Sparrows and Arrows tattoo shop at 524 Central Avenue. Her niece, Allison Miller, shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “My aunt was a wonderful and compassionate person who held such love for all who knew her. She had a love for birds, especially flamingos, and a love for gardening. Her love for her craft and her clients will always be remembered both in my family and in the community that also loved her.” (The Electric –, KPAX News)