CUT BANK, Mont. — The Glacier County community is reeling after the death of 36-year-old Cerenity Maria Shawl, whose body was discovered Saturday, February 7, 2026, in Cut Bank. Authorities have ruled her death a homicide, with the cause identified as a gunshot wound to the head. The shocking discovery has left family, friends, and neighbors mourning while investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death.
Sheriff Tom Seifert reported that Shawl’s body was found inside a freezer in the basement of a residence. Officials have not released further details regarding a potential motive for the killing. Law enforcement stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information to come forward to assist in understanding the case.
Following a public tip on Monday, law enforcement located the suspected perpetrator, Alfred Joseph Smith, in Fort Benton. Deputies from Chouteau County initiated a traffic stop on Smith’s 2019 blue/purple Hyundai Elantra with Montana license plate EJG626. Smith was arrested without incident on a warrant for deliberate homicide and is being held on $1,000,000 bail.
The vehicle also contained Natasha Siliezar, 46, who was taken into custody for questioning. Both Smith and Siliezar were held at the Chouteau County Detention Center. Montana Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest, and the vehicle has been seized for evidence processing. Authorities credited the public for their tips, which were crucial in locating and apprehending the suspect quickly.
Chouteau County officials detailed the coordinated arrest, noting that Undersheriff Jacques and Sheriff Justin Smith conducted a high-risk traffic stop near a gas station in Fort Benton. Both occupants were safely removed from the vehicle, and law enforcement praised the swift collaboration among agencies. Cut Bank Police Chief Michael Schultz acknowledged the teamwork, saying, “This arrest would not have happened so quickly without the help from the public. We appreciate all the calls, emails, and messages that eventually led to the arrest in this matter.”
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Shawl’s death and are seeking additional information from the public. Anyone with knowledge related to the case is urged to contact Glacier County Dispatch at 406-873-2711 or email mschultz@cityofcutbank.org. Meanwhile, the community remains in mourning, honoring the life of Cerenity Maria Shawl as law enforcement works to bring justice in this tragic case.
