Montana man accused of killing elderly victim who sustained ‘chop-style’ injuries

BOZEMAN, Mont. (TCN) — Authorities recently arrested a man on suspicion of killing an elderly victim several years ago.

Bozeman Police responded to a welfare check request on June 13, 2021, after concerned family members hadn’t heard from 79-year-old Steven Kilwein. At the scene, responding officers found Kilwein deceased.

According to the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office, an autopsy revealed the victim sustained multiple “chop-style” injuries, and his death was ruled a homicide. Investigators reportedly discovered a cellphone at the scene that belongs to Austin Clowes. Prosecutors said other evidence was recovered, including DNA from Kilwein’s pajama bottoms and hands that matched DNA from a water bottle found in Clowes’ trash.

The attorney’s office announced that Clowes has been charged with deliberate homicide. Authorities arrested him on July 10, and he remains held on a $1 million bond.

Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell said, “This was an extremely violent and senseless killing of a vulnerable elder in our community. I am deeply grateful to law enforcement that Mr. Clowes has been apprehended and charged. Most importantly, I want to commend the Kilwein family for their extraordinary grace, patience, and steadfast commitment to justice during the long wait for answers in this tragic case.”

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