Missoula, MT — James Edward Brown, the man accused of murdering 37-year-old Audrey Bird, appeared in court on Tuesday morning, pleading not guilty to charges related to her death. Brown is facing charges of deliberate homicide, Partner or Family Member Assault, and unlawful restraint in connection with the discovery of Bird’s body at a Missoula gas station last month.
The victim was found unresponsive in a vehicle at the corner of East Broadway and Madison on November 24, 2024. Police responded to the scene after receiving reports of an unresponsive woman in the car. Despite attempts to revive her, Bird was pronounced dead at the scene.
During his arraignment, Brown, 38, entered a not guilty plea to the charges. Prosecutors outlined the charges, which could result in a maximum sentence of 105 years in prison, along with a potential fine of $50,500. However, prosecutors also confirmed they would not be seeking the death penalty in this case.
Judge Jason Marks presided over the hearing and set a date for an omnibus hearing on March 18, 2025, at 9 a.m. As of now, Brown remains in custody, awaiting further proceedings.
The case continues to be under investigation, and authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward. The Missoula Police Department has not released further details about the circumstances leading to Bird’s death, but the community remains shaken by the tragedy.
As the legal process moves forward, both the defense and the prosecution will prepare for future hearings, including the upcoming omnibus hearing next year.
