Isaac Carrier: Murder accused duo discussed Ben Affleck crime-thriller in plot to kill Montana man
FALLON, MONTANA: Two men, Jake Burghduff, 21, and Sterling Brown, 30, are facing charges in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Montana man Isaac Carrier, 30.
Prosecutors believe the murderers allegedly discussed a scene from Ben Affleck's 2010 crime drama 'The Town' as part of their sinister plot carried out on January 23, reported Independent.
According to an obituary, the victim known for his cowboy attire and strong Christian beliefs, was described as a loving father to his young son Stetson.
Who are Jake Burghduff and Sterling Brown?
Brown, who is set to go to trial in 2024, was in a relationship with Carrier's ex-wife Katie while Burghduff, who underwent trial in August 2023, was found guilty of murder.
According to authorities, the victim was brutally shot in the head in his apartment. The building was subsequently set on fire on January 23 which the investigators believe was motivated by a bitter child custody battle between Carrier and his former wife.
Burghduff was found guilty of deliberate homicide following his sentencing on October 17, he will be facing up to 100 years in prison. Brown is set to go to trial in March.
How did Ben Affleck's movie inspire murderers in Isaac Carrier film?
Burghduff told officers that Brown sent him a YouTube clip of Affleck's character Doug MacRay asking Jeremy Renner's character James Coughlin, a fellow bank robber for help in carrying out a crime.
In the clip, Affleck says, "I need your help. I can’t tell you what it is, you can never ask me about it later, and we’re going to hurt some people."
Both the characters then proceed to break into a home, beating and threatening two men.
"I'm confused lol," Burghduff replied to Brown in a text, according to prosecutors.
Brown then encouraged him to "listen to it again" and asked him if he could come over.
Burghduff, who was still confused, asked if they were going to "hurt someone or something?”
"Something like that. You available for pickup?", Brown responded.
According to investigators, this text exchange between the two men suggested their deadly intent.
Burghduff allegedly told investigators that Brown told him that he was "gonna take care of Carrier" after he admitted to knowing the child custody battle.
He told investigators that they entered Carrier's apartment located on Whittier Ave and Brown shot him in the head at close range.
Authorities stated that the pair set the apartment on fire after one or both of them poured gasoline over the victim while he was still alive.
However, Burghduff claimed he was not aware of Brown's intentions and also that he did not enter Carrier's apartment.