With a heavy heart, Sheriff Short announces the murder of 28-year-old Deputy
Ryan Terpsma last night.
At 8:23 pm on October 30, 2026, Deputy Terpsma responded to a disturbance
call at 118 Lone Pine Trail in Eureka, Montana, accompanied by a Eureka
Police Officer. Deputy Terpsma was shot and killed at the scene and the
Eureka Police Officer was also struck by gun fire but suffered non-life-
threatening injuries.
The suspect, identified as 50-year-old Matthew David Dye, of Kalispell, fled the
scene toward Kalispell with a 7-year-old girl. He was located by Flathead
County Sheriff’s Deputies and pursued. During the pursuit the suspect fired at
deputies disabling 2 patrol cars. On Highway 93, a roadblock was set up and
the suspect stopped just prior and surrendered.
During the investigation it was discovered that 46-year-old Merrisa Walker
had also been shot and killed at the scene of the original call. A juvenile
female was also injured but was treated at the scene and released.
It has been trying times in Lincoln County during the last year. We are all
deeply affected by the loss of Deputy Terpsma but know we can count on our
community to support the Sheriff’s Office and each other as we grieve the loss
of this fine young man.
The suspect will be charged and have an initial hearing in Lincoln County
Justice Court sometime next week.
The Montana Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation will be
the lead investigative agency at the request of Sheriff Short.
Updates will be released as they are available and the investigation is ongoing.