Glacier County Authorities Confirm Cerenity Maria Shawl’s Death as Homicide

 The Glacier County Sheriff's Office has determined that the lady discovered dead in Cut Bank on Saturday, February 7, 2026, is 36-year-old Cerenity Maria Shawl.

Sheriff Tom Seifert claims Shawl's body was found in a freezer in the basement of a house. The cause of death was found to be a bullet wound to the head; her death is now considered a homicide. Authorities have not disclosed more information on a potential reason.

  

Following a tip from the public on Monday, law enforcement found Alfred Joseph Smith in Fort Benton, suspected in Shawl's murder. After getting information about Smith's automobile—a 2019 blue/purple Hyundai Elantra with Montana license plate EJG626—Chouteau County deputies initiated a traffic stop. On a warrant for premeditated murder, Smith was peacefully detained; he is being kept at $1 million bail.

Also in the automobile was Natasha Siliezar, 46, arrested for questioning. Chouteau County Detention Center hosted both of them. Arrests were aided by the U.S. Marshals and the Montana Highway Patrol; the car was taken for evidence processing.

  

Chouteau County officials outlined the organized arrest: Close to Fort Benton, Sheriff Justin Smith and Undersheriff Jacques discovered the car and carried out a high-risk traffic stop at a gas station. Law enforcement praised the public for their tips leading to the quick arrest, and the tenants were removed without mishap.

Chief Michael Schultz of the Cut Bank Police Department thanked his department, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Glacier County Sheriff's Office for their joint efforts, noting, "This arrest would not have happened so quickly without the help from the public." We are grateful for every phone call, email, and message that eventually resulted in the arrest in this case.”

  

The inquiry is still underway at this point. Officials still want facts on the circumstances surrounding Shawl's death. 

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