UPDATED: Wife fired first shots in deadly domestic shooting in Helena

Published 4:30 pm Friday, August 23, 2019

By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The Helena Police Department has released new details that left a 45-year-old woman dead after she and her husband were involved in a deadly domestic altercation the morning of Thursday, Aug. 22.

At approximately 11 a.m. on Aug. 22, Helena Police responded to the domestic incident in the 8400 block of Shoreside Lane in Helena.

Upon arrival, officers located 45-year-old Beverly Holston Harris deceased from gunshot wounds. A male, later determined to be the victim’s 45-year-old husband Naylan Lamar Harris, was taken into custody at the home and detained.

After further investigation, it was revealed that the couple has had a history of domestic incidents and the day before the shooting, Beverly Harris had been arrested and posted bond. She was released after a hearing before a magistrate as required by law.

Naylan Harris was notified of her release as required by law. According to Helena Police, Beverly Harris allegedly went back to the couple’s home after arming herself with a handgun. Upon her arrival at the home she discharged the handgun several times outside of the home and then entered the home carrying the handgun.

Inside the home there was an altercation between she and Naylan Harris with both parties being armed with handguns. As a result of this altercation, Beverly Harris was fatally shot.

At this time, Naylan Harris has not be formally charged with a crime but Helena Police said the incident is still under active investigation and criminal charges may be filed after the conclusion of a grand jury investigation.