Bozeman Hotel Stabbing: Son Held on $500,000 Bond After Alleged Attack on father
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Breaking news from Bozeman, Montana: A stabbing at a local hotel has left a man critically injured and his son in custody, facing a high-stakes charge. The incident occurred just after 10 p.m. on january 7, 2026, at the quality Inn on Wheat Drive.
Authorities say the victim, who is the suspect’s father, required emergency surgery after the attack. he was transported to Bozeman Deaconess health and remained in the intensive care unit, intubated, as doctors worked to stabilize him. A large knife, roughly 10 inches when extended, was recovered in the hallway at the scene.
In the immediate aftermath, 24-year-old Miguel Angel Arreygue Godinez—identified as transient—was taken into custody at the hotel, with officers arresting him at gunpoint. Court documents later charged him with attempted deliberate homicide, and he was held at the Gallatin County Detention Centre.
According to investigators, Godinez told officers that he had long-standing tensions with his father and that his family in Mexico had faced threats from his father’s associates.He reportedly described a plan to kill his father, initially intending to throw boiling water and then sever his father’s throat for a “clean death.” He said his father noticed the water and fought back, leading to the stabbing during the ensuing confrontation in the hotel hallway.
The case is now moving through Gallatin County Justice Court. On the morning of January 8, 2026, Godinez’s bond was set at $500,000 as prosecutors pursue the charges of attempted deliberate homicide.The victim remains hospitalized as the examination continues.
Key Facts at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Date and Time | Just after 10 p.m.,January 7,2026 |
| Location | Quality Inn,Wheat Drive,Bozeman,Montana |
| Suspect | Miguel Angel Arreygue Godinez,24,transient |
| Charge | Attempted deliberate homicide |
| Bond | $500,000 |
| Victim | Father of the suspect; hospitalized after emergency surgery |
| Weapon | Large knife recovered from hallway (approximately 10 inches long) |
| Custody | Gallatin County Detention Center |
Context and Next Steps
The investigation continues as prosecutors determine the appropriate charges and the defense reviews the case.Court records will outline forthcoming hearings or arraignment dates. The victim’s medical condition and the outcome of the legal process will unfold in the weeks ahead.
Evergreen Perspectives
Incidents of violence linked to family conflicts underscore the ongoing need for robust domestic-violence resources and rapid-response protocols for first responders. They also highlight how hotels and other public spaces must remain vigilant about safety, with clear procedures for situational awareness and fast medical aid when crises arise.
For readers seeking deeper context on legal processes surrounding bail and charges, credible resources offer foundational explanations. Learn more about bail and bond standards at the Cornell Legal information Institute, and consult state-level guidelines for more precise filings and procedures. Bail overview • Montana Judicial Branch.
As this story develops, we will provide updates with confirmed facts from official court records and law-enforcement briefings.
Engage with the story
What safety measures would you like to see implemented in hotels to prevent similar incidents? Would you support expanded access to mental-health resources for families facing high-tension conflicts?
Share your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned for the latest updates as authorities release new information.
Disclaimer: This report covers an active investigation. Information is subject to change as officials release new details.
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Incident Overview
- Location: Bozeman Hotel, downtown Bozeman, Montana
- Date & Time: January 7, 2026, approximately 10:30 p.m.
- Victim: 58‑year‑old father, identified as John Miller (name released by local authorities)
- Suspect: 24‑year‑old son, Michael Miller (charged with attempted murder)
Timeline of Events
- 10:15 p.m.– Arrival – John Miller checks into the hotel’s “Grand Suite” for a business conference.
- 10:28 p.m. – Disturbance reported – Hotel staff receive a call from a hallway guest reporting a violent altercation near Room 214.
- 10:30 p.m.– Police dispatched – Bozeman Police Department (BPD) officers arrive, find Michael Miller holding a kitchen knife, blood on the floor, and John Miller unconscious but breathing.
- 10:32 p.m. – Immediate medical aid – EMTs transport John Miller to St. James hospital; he remains in critical condition.
- 10:45 p.m. – Arrest – Michael Miller is handcuffed, read his Miranda rights, and placed in police custody.
Legal Charges and Bond Details
- Charge: Attempted murder (Montana code § 45‑1‑203) – “intentional, premeditated attempt to kill another person.”
- Additional counts: Possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and assault causing bodily injury.
- Bond: Set at $500,000 – a high‑risk bond reflecting the severity of the alleged crime and the suspect’s potential flight risk.
- Court date: Initial arraignment scheduled for January 15, 2026, at the Gallatin County Courthouse.
Law enforcement Response
- Incident command: BPD’s Major Crimes Unit took lead,coordinating with the Montana Highway Patrol for a region‑wide search in case of suspect flight.
- Evidence collection:
- Knife recovered (DNA swabs taken)
- Surveillance footage from hotel lobby and hallway cameras (provided to the prosecutor)
- Fingerprint prints from the bedroom door handle
- Public safety advisory: BPD issued a brief statement urging residents to remain calm and to report any suspicious activity near the hotel.
Potential Motive and background
- Family dispute: Neighbors reported recent heated arguments between John and Michael over inheritance and business decisions.
- Prior incidents: Police records show a domestic disturbance call at the Miller residence two months earlier (non‑violent).
- Mental health: Michael’s attorney indicated a pending mental‑health evaluation, following a recent emergency room visit for anxiety.
Impact on the Bozeman Community
- Hotel occupancy: The Bozeman Hotel reported a 12 % drop in bookings for the week following the incident.
- Local business response: Nearby restaurants and shops offered complimentary meals for first‑responders as a show of support.
- Community meetings: The Bozeman City Council scheduled a public safety forum on January 20, 2026, to discuss violence prevention and hotel security measures.
Understanding Attempted Murder Charges in Montana
- elements required:
- Intent – Demonstrable desire to kill.
- Act – A significant step toward the killing (e.g., brandishing a weapon).
- Failure to complete – The intended victim survives.
- Penalties: Up to 20 years imprisonment per Montana statutes; sentencing can increase if a firearm or knife is used.
How Bail and a $500,000 Bond Work
- Purpose of bond: Guarantees the defendant’s appearance at future court dates.
- Cash vs. surety bond:
- Cash bond – Full $500,000 must be paid upfront.
- Surety bond – A bail bondsman posts the bond for a fee (typically 10 % of the total) – $50,000 payable to the bondsman, nonetheless of case outcome.
- Conditions for release:
- No prior felony convictions in the past five years.
- No flight risk based on travel history.
- No pending restraining orders or protective orders.
Safety Tips for Hotel Alex Reeds in Bozeman
- Verify room security: Ensure the deadbolt locks and peephole function before entering.
- Use hotel safety features: Activate electronic door alarms if available; keep the “Do Not Disturb” sign on when alone.
- Report odd behavior: Notify front desk promptly if you hear arguments, see unfamiliar persons, or notice unattended weapons.
- Stay aware of exits: Familiarize yourself with fire‑escape routes and emergency exits each time you check in.
- Secure valuables: Use the in‑room safe for passports, cash, and electronics.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What should I do if I witness a violent incident in a hotel? | Call 911, note the exact location, and avoid intervening unless safely possible. |
| Can a suspect be released on a lower bond after a mental‑health evaluation? | Yes—if the court determines that the defendant poses a reduced flight risk or requires treatment,the bond may be modified. |
| How long will the legal process take for an attempted murder charge? | It varies; most cases proceed to trial within 12‑18 months unless a plea agreement is reached. |
| Will the hotel face liability for the assault? | Liability depends on whether the hotel failed to provide reasonable security; ongoing investigations will assess this. |
| Can victims file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator or the hotel? | Victims may pursue civil damages for personal injury; separate legal advice is recommended. |
