The Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Cascade County Attorney’s Office, has filed amended charges against 20-year-old Lane Cole Gibson in connection with the homicide of 25-year-old Terrell Gage Johnson from Harlem, Montana.
The charges result from an extensive investigation that began on January 9th, 2026, when deputies discovered Johnson deceased inside a vehicle located in Cascade County, around the 1700 block of 22nd Avenue South. Detectives from the Cascade County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Great Falls Police Department and the FBI, spent several weeks reviewing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing digital, video, and forensic information to determine the circumstances surrounding Johnson’s death.
Charges filed include deliberate Homicide (Felony). Investigators allege that Gibson caused Johnson’s death while committing or fleeing from an assault involving a weapon. Under Montana law, a conviction for deliberate homicide can result in a life sentence or a prison term ranging from 10 to 100 years.
Tampering with Witnesses or Informants (Felony). Investigators also allege that Gibson attempted to persuade a potential witness to provide false information regarding his whereabouts during the time surrounding the homicide. This charge carries a possible penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.
The arrest warrant for Lane Gibson is set at a bail of $750,000. Gibson remains in custody pending court proceedings.
On January 9, 2026, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle parked in the 1700 block of 22nd Avenue South, just outside the city limits of Great Falls in Cascade County. Inside the vehicle, a red 2014 Chevy Cruze, they found Johnson deceased from multiple stab wounds. The area was secured, the vehicle was processed for evidence, and investigators initiated a homicide investigation.
Cell phone and location data indicated Johnson’s movements on the evening of January 8 and into the early morning hours of January 9. Records show he traveled to Havre and Fort Belknap on January 8 and returned to Great Falls late that evening. Location sharing ceased shortly after 6:00 a.m. on January 9.
Witnesses informed investigators that Johnson was at the Chowen Springs Loop residence with Gibson and others. They reported that Johnson left the home around 3:30 a.m., while another person, believed to be Gibson, left around the same time wearing a light-colored hoodie. Investigators later discovered that Gibson asked a friend to provide a false alibi regarding his whereabouts.
Surveillance camera footage from various nearby locations captured a man resembling Gibson leaving the area where the homicide took place and walking through adjacent streets. The video also showed Johnson’s vehicle arriving outside Big Sky Dental shortly before 5:00 a.m., with another man inside, who matched the description of the individual seen fleeing the crime scene. Additional footage from the morning of January 9 depicted this individual moving toward the Grand View Apartments.
Investigators recovered a water bottle on the ground next to Johnson’s vehicle that matched a case of water found inside the car. DNA testing revealed that the bottle contained DNA from both Johnson and Gibson. Blood evidence collected from inside the Grand View Apartments also tested positive for Gibson’s DNA. Shoe prints found inside Johnson’s vehicle were consistent with shoes that Gibson later gave to another person.
During an interview on January 15, 2026, Gibson admitted he was at the residence earlier that night but claimed he left much earlier than the witnesses reported. When detectives sought to interview him again on January 27th, Gibson requested an attorney and declined further questioning.
On January 29, 2026, the Montana State Crime Lab confirmed DNA results linking Gibson to critical pieces of evidence. Based on this information, along with witness statements, surveillance footage, location data, and physical evidence, investigators established sufficient cause to file charges.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
