Great Falls Tragedy: Charlotte Andrade, 20, Charged with Murder After Deadly Apartment Shooting

GREAT FALLS, MT – June 9, 2025 — A violent shooting that shattered the early morning calm in a southside apartment complex has left one man dead and another critically injured — and now 20-year-old Charlotte Andrade is facing serious charges as the alleged shooter in what police are calling a targeted and deliberate attack.

According to the Great Falls Police Department (GFPD), the deadly incident unfolded around 3:42 a.m. on Sunday, June 9, at the El Comandante Apartments located at 1801 10th Avenue South. Officers were initially dispatched after receiving multiple 911 calls reporting loud disturbances and people banging on doors. A resident of Unit 11 was the first to alert dispatchers, claiming unknown individuals were aggressively knocking on his apartment door.

When officers first arrived on scene, they reported a tense but unclear situation. However, within minutes, the situation escalated dramatically as further calls reported gunshots ringing out through the complex.

Tragic Outcome

By the time GFPD officers located the scene of the shooting, they discovered two men suffering from gunshot wounds outside one of the ground-floor apartment units. One of the victims, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second male victim was rushed to Benefis Health System and remains in critical condition as of Tuesday morning.

Law enforcement quickly cordoned off the area and began canvassing for witnesses, surveillance footage, and potential suspects. Multiple shell casings were recovered, and nearby residents were interviewed as part of the ongoing investigation.

The Suspect: Charlotte Andrade

Charlotte Andrade, a 20-year-old Great Falls resident, was taken into custody later Sunday morning following a brief manhunt and was booked into the Cascade County Detention Center. According to charging documents filed by the Cascade County Attorney’s Office, Andrade has been charged with one count of deliberate homicide and one count of attempted deliberate homicide — both felonies that carry potential life sentences if convicted.

Prosecutors allege that Andrade was directly responsible for firing at the two male victims with the intent to kill. While the motive remains under investigation, authorities indicated during a Monday court hearing that the shooting was “not random” and likely stemmed from a personal dispute.

Investigators believe Andrade may have arrived at the complex with the intent to confront the individuals involved, but further details about her connection to the victims have not yet been made public.

Community on Edge

The fatal shooting has sent shockwaves through the normally quiet community. “This is not something we’re used to in this neighborhood,” said Jennifer Rollins, a resident who lives two units away from the shooting. “I was woken up by the sirens, and then I saw all the police lights outside my window. It was terrifying.”

Several residents have since expressed concerns about security and are calling for increased patrols, particularly during the overnight hours. The apartment complex, which houses a mix of families, college students, and working-class residents, had no significant history of violent incidents prior to this weekend.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Andrade made her initial appearance in Cascade County District Court on Monday, where she appeared via video from jail. She was formally advised of the charges against her. The judge set bail at $1 million, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the risk to public safety.

Public Defender Rachel Cortez, who is representing Andrade, entered preliminary objections to the bail amount and requested additional time to review evidence before a plea is entered. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for later this month.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or security footage from the area between 3:30 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. on Sunday to contact Great Falls Police detectives at (406) 771-1180.

Victims’ Families Await Answers

As the investigation continues, family members of the deceased victim are grappling with the heartbreaking loss. A small memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes has begun to grow near the stairwell of the apartment where the shooting occurred.

“Our family is devastated,” said one relative who asked to remain anonymous. “We just want answers. He didn’t deserve to die like this.”

GFPD has promised transparency in the investigation and says updates will be shared with the public as more information becomes available.

This remains a developing story.