Two Dead in Colstrip Shooting

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By Rob Carlmark

Story Published: Dec 11, 2009 at 4:00 PM MST

Story Updated: Dec 11, 2009 at 10:45 PM MST

BILLINGS - Two people are dead and one is critically injured after a shooting Thursday night in a Colstrip tavern.

Court records say Spencer Benson and Heath Becker were shot at the Whiskey Gulch Saloon, while Jason Burnette suffered a gunshot wound to the head. All three men worked at facilities in the Colstrip area. Benson died on scene, Becker died shortly after arriving at St. Vincent Hospital, and Burnette was taken to Billings Clinic with a gunshot to the head.

Fifty-one year old James Wilson of Lame Deer is in custody at the Yellowstone County Jail in connection with the shootings.

Officials said Wilson got into an altercation and was kicked out of the bar earlier in the day. A third party notified the Colstrip Police Department that Wilson threatened to come back and they dispatched officers to the bar.

Police said Wilson later returned just after 11:30 p.m. Thursday night with a handgun and shot Benson, Becker and Burnette before he was overtaken by onlookers. Wilson managed to fire two more rounds from his .357 caliber revolver before officers arrived on scene.

Outside the bar, three red flowers were planted in the snow representing the victims.

Wilson was taken to the hospital and treated for his injuries and is now in the Yellowstone County Jail where he faces two charges of deliberate homicide and one count of attempted deliberate homicide

The small, close-knit town is trying to cope with the news, including the Chief of Police, who knew the victims.

"The victims of this were well known and well liked in the community and tragically, from what we can tell from the investigation were innocent victims in all this." said Chief Larry Reinlasoder.

Spencer Benson’s mother told KULR-8 she wants people to know that Spencer had a heart of gold, and a smile that would light up a room. Bensons was also friends with both victims, grew up on the same street as Heath Becker, and is the father of a 3 year old boy named Landon.

A fund has been set up for Benson’s son at the EnerGComm Federal Credit Union in Colstrip.

Jason Burnette was flown to Billings Clinic where he underwent surgery Friday afternoon for a head wound.

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Brooke said on Saturday, Apr 9 at 7:50 AM

Wouldn't it be a better world if alcohol and drugs were completely outlawed? i am sure that many lives would be spared if this were possible.

twilight said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 6:34 AM

continued-- or two workers there were just having a bad moment.now before i forget. bye

twilight said on Sunday, Jan 24 at 6:20 AM

Well, first of all, I am NOT at all like James Wilson so please do not even go there. Now for the rest of the story. If i were to have a pity party i would not invite you because you seem to be having one your self. you dont have the foggiest idea of what is going on, so maybe you should fnd things out first. come to my town and do a little report o ofyour own. the people here do not discriminate at all. oh before i forget , please dd i mention that subway was descriminating,im sorry maybe one

Yourmom said on Monday, Jan 18 at 2:17 PM

i love you spencer john benson rest in peace buddy. you will always be remeber! see you soon!

C-townGirl5 said on Monday, Jan 18 at 2:14 PM

and spencer john benson was 22 for all u pupils info.

C-Town girl 2 said on Friday, Jan 15 at 3:30 PM

before your throw ur lil pitty party about who did what, subway has never been racist or judgemental in this town, this lil trageic physco comment ur implying is dumb i think maybe before you go "assuming" so grow a set and get over it. thank you have a nice day.

Janice said on Friday, Jan 15 at 3:28 PM

excuse me if you will but subway has NEVER be raciest for what your implying in your lil pitty party comment, instead of blaming subway for all this maybe you should think about who actually pulled the trigger your making urself juss as bad as james wilson by "accussing" subway of these actions. colstrip is a great town and has more repesct for people and concern than ur town. so get over urself before you start judging people because ur **** mad that your word doesnt mean *** anything to people.

C-Town Girl said on Friday, Jan 15 at 3:14 PM

Benson, Becker, Burnett and Wilson families: May god be with you

twilight said on Friday, Jan 8 at 7:07 AM

Since this tragedy has happened there has been finger pointing back and forth and also name calling.the main character in this story is James Wilson. he is the one that pulled the trigger and not the whole rez. i for one do not carry any prejudice i my heart. businesses like subway should not display any kind of discrimination toward lame deer people that go there to eat. that is a business and not a private residence. money is the same color no matter who you are.

shhhhh said on Sunday, Dec 27 at 3:00 PM

Here comes a new year, alot of people have lost loves in the month of December and that is very sad.colstrip is our neighbor and alot of us go there to shop since the prices here are very high and the buck does not go very far here. i hope that there are no hard feelings toward us because we had nothing to do with what happened there. may God be with all who have lost loved ones.

Rainbow Mist said on Saturday, Dec 26 at 5:51 AM

To the families that have lost loved ones in this tragedy and so close to the holidays. MAY God be with you through this difficilt time.

shhhhhh said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 6:03 PM

a small child shall lead, let us consider this small child that is now fatherless and stand rogether for him and let all bitterness blow away with the wind. Jesus loves you all.

Standing Strong said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 5:54 PM

When this tragedy first happened i was angry with this Wilson man for the decision that he made that night with his gun then i later thought about it. He has already comdemmed himself to a fife time of lonliness and regrets. i just wished that he knew where the consequences would lead. if he was family man then he should have been home with them and not out drinking.i don't know him personally all i know that he is from my hometown also there is no need for all the racilal remarks

secretz... said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 5:12 PM

there was no 19 year old boy....that is so elementary stuff...calling names provoking fights he should have left and stayed away not come back with a gun and kill people. he represents himself not all native american are like HIM. as far as colsrtip goes ive never known them to be prejudice... to the families i am keeping you in my prayers..

montana said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 1:56 PM

never heard about a 19 year old boy. all i know is a drunk man took two lives....soooooo

HELLO said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 1:52 PM

WHAT WAS THAT 19 YEAR CHILD DOING IN THE BAR. YOU NEVER TOLD THE AGES. ONLY THE ONE THAT DONE SHOOTING WHAT WAS A 19 YEAR OLD BOY DOING IN THE BAR. HELLO. YOU PUT THESE MEN AS THE GOOD GUYS WHAT GOOD GUYS? I DON'T KNOW THEM PERSONALLY. WHAT WAS THAT 19 YEAR OLD BOY DOING IN THE BAR. WAS THAT WHAT THE FIGHT WAS ABOUT????? SOMEONE NEEDS TO LOOK INTO THIS. IS COLSTRIP A PREDUJICE TOWN? WHO PROVOKED THE FIGHT. WHO DID THE NAME CALLING AND WHO TOOK THAT 19 YEAR OLD CHILD IN THE BAR.

mt said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11:53 AM

the families of the ones who had lost their loved ones and the ones family who is in the hospital i will be praying for you and i hope that you get justice.

idc said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11:42 AM

its so easy to make accusations about these boys when its not your family member getting burried.still they had lives and live are very precious. this little boy is now with out a father due to someones thoughless actions. i will keep the families in my prayers.

hmmm said on Wednesday, Dec 16 at 11:35 AM

these hard working men did not deserve to die. this man had no right taking their lives. he does not even deserve to have a bond. these boys were way to young. i will keep their families in my prayers.

wakeup said on Tuesday, Dec 15 at 9:46 PM

everyone knows who owns Colstrip and the way this business is run, INNOCENT..my azz, they all work there one way or another..and we all no what they sold there! bet if it was a friend or relative that died of a drug related death u all would be speaking up then, 2 less drug dealers in the world and maybe 3.defend them INNOCENT boys now!!!truth be told!!!!

eastern sky said on Monday, Dec 14 at 9:48 PM

i am saddened by this tragedy. this is no ones fault except the man who decided that innocent people should die. it was his decision to return to the saloon and cause blood shed. no one made that decision for him.

griz said on Monday, Dec 14 at 6:25 PM

Some lawer will get him off on insane charges lets hope not.

griz said on Monday, Dec 14 at 6:22 PM

To be honest the accusations of drug dealers no one knows.I do agree that any establishment sells alcohol will know it is a mind altering drug.No excuse for this tragic murder.

KMS said on Monday, Dec 14 at 9:34 AM

I commend AnnD for at least speaking her opinion, even though most people who post on this site have no idea that it is every AMERICAN's right to do so. Don't misconstrue what I said- I don't agree with her opinion, nor "justme"'s accusation that two of the people involved were drug dealers. If they were in fact dealers, you would think there would be something said to that affect. Can anyone else confirm that, or is it just a wild accusation?

meadow singer said on Monday, Dec 14 at 6:04 AM

no one has the right to take lives. this makes me angry that these two young working men had to be gunned down by someone who had no knowledge of how precious human lives are. my cndolences to the families that have lost their loved ones.

Meadow singer said on Monday, Dec 14 at 5:55 AM

to AnnD When someone is disorderly, in any kind of establishment, it is only that they be asked to leave or have the police called on them. the owners of this saloon had the right to do that . no as the right to gun down innicent men that were well known and loved in this community of colstrip. tis is a tragedy to the fasmilies and to all whgo knew these nice young men.

justme said on Monday, Dec 14 at 12:28 AM

So I have to say its horrible this happened in a town that I use to live in and worked in that establishment at one time. But look who we are talking about?! First of all, I have nothing to say about the Benson boy....but I know Heath and Jason VERY WELL! The center of drugs in Colstrip MT. Wake up and smell the cup of reality. What a shame all these "innocent bystanders" have the same story. Quit selling drugs from your establishment and this wouldn't have probably have happened!

JeanD said on Monday, Dec 14 at 12:03 AM

GOD BLESS ALL TO THE FAMILY WHO'S INVOLVED TO THIS TRAGIC AND UNFORGETFUL TRAGEDY.....

JeanD said on Sunday, Dec 13 at 11:58 PM

you are f!@ sh*t and heartless woman you just lucky that your not the one who's laying dead hopelessly this young man has a heart of gold and his a great father of 3 yrs and james took his life away from his boy my deepest sympaty to this boy that his daddy cant even see him growing up.you should think wisely before you comments thats all and Gob bless all to all the familythat gold and

sgtpainkiller said on Sunday, Dec 13 at 10:13 PM

AnnD Deserves the same fate as the man who shot those innocent men. Death by public hanging.

Neal said on Sunday, Dec 13 at 10:01 PM

I left Colstrip like 13 years ago, but I remember going to school with Jason. This is just terrible

oilfieldtrash83 said on Sunday, Dec 13 at 3:48 PM

This man needs gut shot and left for the coyotes.

oh my god said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 10:19 PM

To Ann..You're kidding right? God I hope so. A drunken rage brought on by a personality prone to violence is not one of co-existence. To cow toe around the original action of attempting to start a bar brawl is not co-existence. To return to continue the violence he himself was starting isn't co-existence. The fact that he ENDED lives that where not even involved is unacceptable. The fact that the others he assaulted did not kill him in their defense shows they had restraint something he didn't

Anonymous said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 9:46 PM

ann did u even read the article?? duh. shouldn't even have a trial for people like that. if u carry a handgun. be responsible with it, not reckless.

Grew Up There said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 9:04 PM

Spenser Benson was young and will never have a chance to do anything with his life because of that man. All of the men who were shot had nothing to do with the altercation earlier, and it's ridiculous that you pull the race card. Three innocent men got shot, and I could give a **** less about what color the murdurers skin is. The fact is he was a crazy enraged drunk who was willing to take the lives of complete strangers. All three didn't deserve what their fate. God Bless them all.

Shocked and appalled said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 8:54 PM

James wilson needs to be shot in the head like he did to these 3 innocent men! I feel so bad that something like this happened yet so honored to have met heath and knew him enough to know he was tha sweetest guy i could ever meet and im going to miss seeing his face and smile. I just cant get over the fact i will never see him again. He was an angel on earth who has went back to heaven. My heart and prayers go out to all of the victims family I cant imagine the pain.

lindap said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 5:03 PM

Hey..it's Montana remember, there's always a mix of alcohol and fire arms in the cars, it just takes one nut to use both and alter innocent lives forever

summer dawn said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:19 PM

i hope that this james gets what is coming to him , he has shattered lives and hearts. no one should have to go through this tragedy, famiy children and friends. i am sorry this has happened to you.

summer dawn said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:13 PM

my sincere sympathies go out to the families of these fine young men. may God be with you in this time of sorrow. my prayers are with you now and in days ahead the

bznlb said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:05 PM

There is no co-existence when one of the participants is a blind drunk angry killer. Shame on anyone who can begin to rationalize this sort of senseless act. My prayers are with the families and friends of these innocent young men.

Anonymous said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 12:15 PM

It should have been a celebration. Jason proposed to his girlfriend that night and his friends were there to celebrate. It's a tradgedy to have this happen in a small community and to lose two amazing individuals.

justice grl said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 11:41 AM

i agree ann had no business saying what she did. no one deserves to die especially men that was loved and meant alot to their community and family. their familys are in my prayers and god bless. i hope the families get justice. this is a tragic thing that has happened to them.

rainbow mist said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 11:31 AM

i feel so sad about what has happened. these young men so tragically taken from their family, friends and the community of colstrip. i hope that james wilson james wilson gets what he deserves.i am so very sorry for the loss of fine young men suspect id coming to him no doubt suspect gets wha

oh oh said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 10:52 AM

hey ann you want this murderer to co-exist then why dont you post your address so the police can release him and he can move next door to you? now thats co-existing you idiot whats next his mommy didnt hug him enough.

Griz said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 10:44 AM

Well i say eye for an eye has the right idea but it would be nice if they tied a cow bell to his nuts and then shoot him.

qusar said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 2:59 AM

Ann You need to learn when to be quiet about somthing you know nothing about I knew these two guys and they were not the type to discriminate.

Anonymous said on Saturday, Dec 12 at 1:15 AM

I think in cases such as this, we need a judge to decide what day he is removed from this planet and put in the dirt mentally ill or not we do not need to have this kind of person around!!!

Sis said on Friday, Dec 11 at 11:50 PM

AnnD- Really, Really??!! Where you there? Cause from a family members point of view I would love for you to shut up. There are two men dead! My brother will never come home thanks to this selfless coward. You need to think and not write your thoughts unless you put the shoe on your foot. Would you like people to say to you well maybe your brother had it comming...just sayin "that's all"

colstripgal said on Friday, Dec 11 at 10:32 PM

AnnD...I would be surprised if you were anything but native. I dislike very much how those that see themselves as less like to play the race card....this has nothing to do with race and everything to do with an individual and his selfish acts of rage. I know one of the men that was killed and he was the kindest, gentlist man you would ever meet. Wrong place, wrong time when this wack job felt the need to inflict his own personal demons upon innocent bystanders.

JCM said on Friday, Dec 11 at 9:28 PM

But ignoring due process and using bloodshed as a tool to get what you want is indeed the American way – isn’t it?

My heart is breaking said on Friday, Dec 11 at 9:13 PM

Oh my God! How can something so terrible happen to such down to earth innocent people. Spenser has had a part of my heart since he was a little boy, Heath was a teddy bear and Jason could give you a run for your money..but it was a good run! I am in shock, pained to no end and pacing the floor from denial and confusion. This can't be. Three young men taken for nothing.The Benson family lost another son just a few 14 months ago-the killer there was cancer. Keep them in your hearts and prayers

Jenna Again said on Friday, Dec 11 at 8:47 PM

oh...and the blame it on discrimination is not only a copout but a really lame excuse for taking 3 peoples lives. We can co-exist you dummy, but we can't if crazy people pull knives on on the rest of us. Soooo, again you're an idiot.

Jenna H said on Friday, Dec 11 at 8:43 PM

Ann...you make me sick. Heath Becker was my very good friends cousin. You should be ashamed of your comment and stupid people like you should obviously not be allowed to speak or have a voice. Your sickning, and you and that man that shot those poor people deserve each other. Imagine if it had been your cousin and your family grieving before you open your flippin' mouth.

rainbow mist said on Friday, Dec 11 at 8:33 PM

it is a tragedy that this happened to these nice young men. this man had no business shooting these innocent men. he should have left and went home. this is sickening. well liked young men are no

ColstripIsMyHome said on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:51 PM

Wishes people wouldn't post comments when they do not know anything about the situation. Ann: the two victims who were killed did nothing wrong but be at the wrong place at the wrong time. The third victim,who is very lucky to be alive. His family owns the establishmet. So he had every right to throw out the man. There are no excuses for what this man did to those good men.

MikeP said on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:05 PM

Ann, you're a knucklehead. You think like too many people in this nation, we hold very few accountable for their actions. It doesn't matter what the others did, you don't walk in and shoot anyone. Right and wrong, that's all.

J said on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:02 PM

Ann. He took matters into his own hand?? Seriously?? He got kicked out for pulling out a knife. Of course anyone would kick anyone out for that.... indian or white, Black or yellow. These boys were great men. They had Families, they had hearts. Murderer shouldnt be the way to handle things. I cant believe you. This whole town is a family! F!@ UUUUU

Upset said on Friday, Dec 11 at 7:00 PM

Ann. He took matters into his own hand?? Seriously?? He got kicked out for pulling out a knife. Of course anyone would kick anyone out for that.... indian or white, Black or yellow. These boys were great men. They had Families, they had hearts. Murderer shouldnt be the way to handle things. I cant believe you. This whole town is a family! F!@ UUUUUU

Crystal said on Friday, Dec 11 at 6:52 PM

AnnD, listen here you old heartless bag, you don't even know what you are talking about these were good people - Spencer was a friend of mine, he had a little boy who is now fatherless because of that worthless rotten indian. How screwed up are you ANND that can justify in your tiny little pea brain that this was okay because he is a indian? I have indian in me - I think I will go kill someone cause morons like you will defend me. Get a clue you stupid spineless racist hag. Think on that.

eye for an eye said on Friday, Dec 11 at 6:38 PM

They need to take this guy out in the cold and shot him like a rabid dog.

colette said on Friday, Dec 11 at 5:50 PM

their is no co exist with a person of this nature and the men that were shot and killed were not in the altercation with this murderer so theirfor i hope that this killer gets what he deserves their is no justification for what he has done

Jane Doe said on Friday, Dec 11 at 5:35 PM

Ann, you've got to be kidding me... Took matters into his own hands??? Good Grief!! He MURDERED 2 people because he got kicked out of a bar!!!!! The guy is obviously insane and thank god he's locked up now. There is NO justifying this horrible crime and you really need to THINK before you share your opinions.

VickiB said on Friday, Dec 11 at 5:27 PM

There is not any justification for this kind of action. As per Ann's comment the suspect certainly does not know how to co-exist.

AnnD said on Friday, Dec 11 at 4:54 PM

I would like to say that it looks like he took matters into his own hands. I feel bad for the loss of these men - but we need to learn how to co-exist in this world. I feel he was discriminated against when he was asked to leave the establishment. When the other men were also involved with the altercation they should have been asked to leave also - maybe, just maybe these men would still be here today. that's all...

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