CUT BANK, Mont. — The Glacier County Sheriff’s Office has identified Cerenity Maria Shawl, 36, as the woman found dead in Cut Bank on Saturday, February 7, 2026.
According to Sheriff Tom Seifert, Shawl’s body was discovered in a freezer in the basement of a residence. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot wound to the head, and her death has been ruled a homicide. Authorities have not released further details regarding a possible motive.
Following a tip from the public on Monday, law enforcement located Alfred Joseph Smith, identified as the suspect in Shawl’s death, in Fort Benton. Deputies from Chouteau County initiated a traffic stop after receiving information about Smith’s vehicle, a 2019 blue/purple Hyundai Elantra with Montana license plate EJG626. Smith was arrested without incident on a warrant for deliberate homicide and is being held on $1,000,000 bail.
The vehicle was also carrying Natasha Siliezar, 46, who was taken into custody for questioning. Both were held at the Chouteau County Detention Center. Montana Highway Patrol and the U.S. Marshals assisted in the arrest, and the vehicle was seized for evidence processing.
Chouteau County officials detailed the coordinated arrest: Undersheriff Jacques and Sheriff Justin Smith located the vehicle near Fort Benton and conducted a high-risk traffic stop at a gas station. The occupants were removed without incident, and law enforcement commended the public for their tips that led to the swift arrest.
Cut Bank Police Chief Michael Schultz thanked his department, the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Glacier County Sheriff’s Office for their collaborative efforts, stating, “This arrest would not have happened so quickly without the help from the public. We appreciate all the calls, emails, and messages that eventually led to the arrest in this matter.”
At this time, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities continue to seek information regarding the circumstances surrounding Shawl’s death. Anyone with knowledge of the case is asked to contact Glacier County Dispatch at 406-873-2711 or email mschultz@cityofcutbank.org.
