California man killed by Missoula police in May identified

Christopher B. Couts, 32, died after being shot May 14, according to Ravalli County Sheriff and Coroner Steve Holton. Couts resided in Shasta Lake, California.

Initial information from the Missoula Police Department indicated that officers initiated a traffic stop for suspected DUI on South Orange Street around 2 a.m. Couts allegedly did not cooperate and fled in his car, then on foot.

According to a copy of Couts' death certificate obtained by the Missoulian, Couts died of a gunshot wound to the head. The manner of death is listed as homicide.

Holton said the homicide box checked on the certificate is the legal medical definition of homicide, meaning the death was caused by another person, and not an indication of legality because that falls under the law. the Montana homicide.

“The deceased fled law enforcement,” the certificate states. “He was then located and pointing a gun to his head in close proximity to a law enforcement officer. He didn't follow orders. He was shot dead by a law enforcement officer at the scene.

The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, part of the state Department of Justice, is investigating the shooting. The Missoula County Sheriff's Office requested the Ravalli Sheriff's Office to act as coroner in this case.

The findings of the DCI investigation will be submitted to the Missoula County District Attorney’s Office. From there, a coroner's inquest will be scheduled. Investigations are required by Montana law when a person dies while in the custody of law enforcement. Coroner's inquests are public inquiries held in courtrooms that examine the causes and circumstances surrounding the death of a person killed by law enforcement.