East of the Mountains
A Historical Archive of a 1978 Montana Law Enforcement Investigation
Welcome to the dedicated historical repository and research project documenting the events, evidence, and timeline surrounding the tragic 1978 investigation of the murder of a Montana Highway Patrol officer. This site attempts to serve as an authoritative, independent archive compiled from regional records, official state documents, and historical accounts to preserve the facts of this law enforcement case.
Explore a comprehensive look at the historical true crime timeline, deep-dive case files, and the eBook detailing the profound impact this investigation had on the local community and Montana law enforcement history.
Enter At Your Own Risk
This is the title of a book that tells the story surrounding the murder of a Montana Highway Patrolman, Michael Ren, April 8, 1978, in Eureka, MT. I wrote this book so the full story of the murder could be told. Much of the information was never made public. I was one of the Lincoln County deputies that investigated these events.
From the back book cover:
"Enter at Your Own Risk is a recounting of the 1978 shooting death of Montana Highway Patrol Officer Michael Ren in Eureka. MT. The subsequent trial of Clyde Rector, the man who killed him but was acquitted by claiming self-defense. It is written by a former law enforcement officer involved in the investigation. It includes information that will likely be new to the public.
The story explores the events leading up to the shooting, the investigation that followed, and the contentious trial, highlighting potential inconsistencies, unanswered questions, and possible conspiracies, including the involvement of organized crime figures and alleged FBI obstruction. The author also reflects on the impact of the acquittal on law enforcement and the character of the key individuals involved, such as Sheriff McMeekin and the victim.
The author hopes a reader will resolve the lingering questions. Could that reader be you? "
The author hopes a reader will resolve the lingering questions. Could that reader be you? "
Here are the facts as history has recorded them:Fact 1: Clyde Rector shot and killed Montana Highway Patrolman Mike Ren.
Fact 2: Clyde Rector was acquitted on self-defense.
Fact 3: Clyde Rector committed suicide 3 years later in a remote mountain cabin.
Now the questions for you, which of the facts are true?
Use the Contact Form (see right) to get in touch.
If you have comments or information please let me know. The entire point of my project is to have the story told as accurately and completely as possible.