🌱 Helena Man Suicide During Police Standoff + Conviction Dismissed

Morning, everybody. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Helena Patch newsletter — here to tell you all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 77 Low: 50.
• Tuesday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 79 Low: 52.

Here are the top three stories today in Helena:

1. According to Helena police, a man took his own life during a standoff on Davis Avenue between 7th and 8th Avenue on Friday, May 26. Officers said they tried to serve a warrant at the home when the man barricaded himself inside a residence for approximately six hours. The City-County SWAT team was sent to negotiate and police obtained a warrant to enter the home when no contact could be made with the suspect. Officers found the suspect dead inside. (KTVH)
2. The Montana Supreme Court dismissed the rape conviction against Jorel Quiroz of Helena, who was convicted of raping, kidnapping, and assaulting a woman in 2019. Quiroz was able to get the rape conviction dismissed because he said his defense did not object when an expert gave testimony on the statistical likelihood a rape victim was lying. Quiroz is still serving life in prison for kidnapping and assault. (Helena Independent Record)
3. The Juneteenth National Freedom Day Celebration in Helena will be held on Saturday, Jun. 17. All events will take place at or leave from The Myrna Loy, located at 15 N. Ewing Street. Events include On the Tour Train, a special screening of "Bicycle Corps: America's Black Army on Wheels," a street party, and a speech by the mayor. (MHS MT.Gov)

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Today and tomorrow in Helena:

Monday, May 29

• Live Music: The Yardbird Quartet At Silver Star Steak Company Lounge (6:00 PM)

Tuesday, May 30

• Salvage Car Auction At 3333 Bozeman Avenue (8:00 AM)
• Quilting for Lutheran World Relief At Classroom 6, 3580 N. Benton (9:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• The Helena Independent Record posted a warning about the dangers of drunk driving on Memorial Day. It is a significant problem throughout the country and makes the roads much more dangerous on holidays. (Helena Independent Record via Twitter)
• Helena High School Track and Field star Henry Ballinger registered his third individual all-state finish at AA state! He finished in sixth place in the 1600, fourth place in the 800, and fifth place in the 400. (Helena High Track and Field via Twitter)
• Tired of looking through the same old real-estate listings again and again? Check out five new homes for sale in the Helena area, including a three-bedroom on Alexis Avenue for $449,900! (Helena Patch)

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Monday off right. I'll see you soon!

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.