Montana Teacher’s Murder Remains Unsolved After 30 Years

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 20, 2026, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office reported that they are still investigating a cold case from 30 years ago. Communications Coordinator Jeannette Smith has the details. 

“As we near the 30-year anniversary of the murder of Seeley Lake resident Clifford Lee Nelson, the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit is still investigating and looking to bring answers to the family and friends of Mr. Nelson,” Smith said. “In the early morning hours of Monday, September 30, 1996, Clifford Lee Nelson was murdered by gunfire in his home in Seeley Lake, Montana. He lived on the north side of Redwood Lane, just east of Pine Street.” 

According to Smith, Mr. Nelson was an elementary school teacher and contributed much time and effort to the school and the community.  

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“He was named "Teacher of the Year" for the entire state of Montana in 1981,” Smith said. “His family and many of his former students still mourn his loss. The investigation to identify his killer has been extensive and is ongoing.” 

 Although the case is still actively being investigated, Smith said a review of all the original documents and information that has been collected for the last 30 years has provided no additional leads to solving the case and bringing closure to the family and friends of Mr. Nelson. 

“Investigators never give up hope that someday their cold case will be solved,” Smith said. “They believe that within the community where the crime occurred, there are people who could provide information needed to solve the case.” 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The Cold Case Unit and Five Valleys Crime Stoppers are requesting your assistance in solving this crime. The information provided could make you eligible for a cash reward from Five Valley Crime Stoppers.  

If you have information that could help solve this crime, please call Crime Stoppers at (406) 721-4444. Tipsters are never asked for their name and are assigned a unique code, guaranteeing anonymity. To speak with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit, call 406-258-3348.