FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2025

Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Investigates Fatal Vehicle Fire; One Arrested

On Wednesday, October 23, 2025, at approximately 6:41 a.m., Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a vehicle on fire near 18 Bedivere Boulevard in the King Arthur Trailer Court west of Bozeman. Deputies and fire personnel responded to the scene and located a white Dodge van on fire. Once the fire was extinguished, responders discovered a deceased individual inside the vehicle.

The deceased has been identified as 44-year-old Robert Welch of Bozeman, Montana. An autopsy has been performed by the Montana State Medical Examiner.

Following an investigation by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division, 51-year-old Beth Bakken was arrested in connection with the incident. Bakken has been charged with:

• Deliberate Homicide (§45-5-102, MCA)
• Arson (§45-6-103, MCA)

The case remains under active investigation. The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Bozeman Police Department, Central Valley Fire District, and Gallatin County Dispatch.

Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office at (406) 582-2100 or email the Detective Division at GCSODetectiveDivision@gallatin.mt.gov.

The Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Robert Welch during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the community — especially residents of the King Arthur Trailer Court — for their support and the information they provided during this investigation.