Case v. Montana · ¶36

The officers' warrantless entry ultimately did not violate the Fourth Amendment, however, because there were sufficient facts on the other side of the ledger supporting an objectively reasonable basis to believe that Case had shot himself. Critically, Case had told J. H. he had a “loaded gun” and J. H. heard a “clicking” sound like the “cock[ing]” of “a gun,” a “pop,” and then “just dead air” despite J. H. yelling Case's name multiple times over the phone. App. 68–69; 417 Mont., at 357, 553 P. 3d, at 988. Case also told J. H. that he was “going to get a note” and “kill himself.” App. 67–68. When the officers arrived, they saw an empty handgun holster and notepad with writing inside Case's house, and Case did not respond when they shouted his name into an open window. Considered together, those facts gave rise to an objectively reasonable basis for the officers to believe that Case was…

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