Billings man accused with murder in connection with fatal gunshot in 2022

Billings, Montana – A Billings man has been charged with homicide for his involvement in a 2022 shooting that killed one man.

On November 15, Yellowstone County Court filed a charge of purposeful homicide against Jacob Dylan Troxel.

According to the charge documents, on Aug. 20, 2022, around 7:30 p.m., Troxel’s vehicle stopped at a red light on North 32nd Street followed by another car driven by Michael Duran. Video security footage from the adjacent Q2 television station recorded Troxel exiting his car and yelling at Duran.

Sometime after the light turns and the car ahead of them both pulls off, Duran exits his car to speak with Troxel and is subsequently hit many times. A fight breaks out between the two and continues on for a moment until Troxel retreats to his car.

Duran attempts to assault Troxel in his car when he pulls out a firearm and shoots him many times before leaving the vehicle and putting the gun on top of it.

The Billings Police Department (BPD) arrived on the site about five minutes later to find Duran suffering from several gunshot wounds that had damaged his diaphragm and liver. He was subsequently transferred to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

BPD also secured questioned Troxel immediately after arrival who said he and his girlfriend were being followed by Duran. He said authorities used his weapon after he had been struck by Duran many times. He stated he expected Duran would simply drive away when questioned and that he was being “antagonistic” when the fight occurred.

Droxel has not been booked and a court date is forthcoming.