PLAINS, MONTANA – A manhunt is underway in Western Montana after Chadwick Mobley, a 42-year-old suspect in the unsolved murder of Andrea Eilber in Mayfield Township back in 2011, escaped from police custody earlier today in the town of Plains.
The escape took place outside a convenience store in Plains, near where Mobley had been arrested on June 28 following a tip from a concerned citizen. Plains, a small town southeast of Libby, Montana, is now at the center of the manhunt. With a population of approximately 1,106 residents in Sanders County, it is situated about 115 miles from Libby in Lincoln County, near the Idaho border.
Mobley managed to free himself from both his handcuffs and ankle shackles, leaving law enforcement officials and deputies scrambling to capture him. The search efforts have been intensified, and authorities are urging local residents to ensure the security of their homes, garages, and vehicles. Any suspicious activity should be reported immediately by dialing 911. Mobley was last seen wearing camouflage pants, a light-colored shirt, and black boots. He stands approximately 6 feet tall and weighs around 150 pounds. It is crucial that the public does not approach him, as he is considered dangerous.
Shortly before his escape, Mobley appeared before a judge in Lincoln County District Court for an extradition hearing. During the hearing, he expressed his willingness to return to Michigan voluntarily to face charges brought against him by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. The charges include first-degree felony murder, first-degree premeditated murder, and a felony gun charge related to the death of Andrea Eilber.
Although Mobley had been cooperating with the extradition process, the judge, as a precautionary measure, scheduled a court date for July 24 in Lincoln County District Court.
Andrea Eilber, a 20-year-old woman, was tragically found shot to death with a single gunshot wound to the head. Initially, her boyfriend, Kenneth Carl “KC” Grondin, who was 19 years old at the time, was arrested and charged with her murder. Grondin was convicted by a jury in 2015 and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. However, his conviction was overturned in 2018 due to issues with the verdict form used during the trial. As a result, a new trial is expected to take place this year. However, due to recent DNA evidence connecting Mobley to the murder, Grondin may be found innocent.
Chadwick Mobley – murder suspect
Authorities are urging the Montana public to contact 911 or the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office at 406-827-3584 with any information regarding Chadwick Mobley’s whereabouts.