Police entered William Trevor Case’s home without a warrant for a welfare check on September 21, 2021, according to court documents. His ex-girlfriend had called law enforcement, saying he threatened suicide with a firearm.
Officers continuously knocked on Case’s door and waited for a response for 40 minutes. After police entered, Case appeared from behind a closet holding a gun, and an officer shot him in the abdomen.
Case was charged with assaulting a peace officer. But he argues officers conducted an unconstitutional search of his home and that evidence collected can’t be used against him.
A district court and the Montana Supreme Court disagreed, and upheld his conviction. They held that police may enter a home without prior authorization in emergency circumstances.
