Man pleads not guilty in Montana road rage death of motorcyclist

RED LODGE — The man accused of intentionally killing a 70-year-old motorcyclist near Belfry last Tuesday pleaded not guilty to four charges related to the incident in Carbon County District Court Wednesday morning.

The incident began as a road rage incident in Rockvale, where the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office was contacted about a disturbance.

It ended just south of the Belfry when Michael Gambale allegedly forced a motorcycle off the road with his own vehicle, killing Martin Hans Peter.

On Wednesday, Gambale, who has a Billings address and ties to Cody, Wyoming, pleaded not guilty to one count of homicide and three counts of attempted homicide. His bail was set at $1 million.

“It’s very concerning,” Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan said after Gambale’s court appearance. “I think it’s difficult to find words in the face of such a senseless tragedy.”

McQuillan said the incident shook many employees in his department and also affected residents and travelers.

“Just another day, and to see this happening basically on defenseless motorcycles, it’s pretty shocking for everyone,” McQuillan said. “We’re used to seeing a lot of tragic things, but this just isn’t warranted.”

Gambale is accused of first trying to run two motorcyclists off the highway in Rockvale. Both told authorities they feared for their lives.

According to court documents, he fled the scene and then intentionally stuck the second motorcycle near mile marker 8 on Highway 72, killing the driver and injuring his passenger.

McQuillan confirmed that the deceased victim, Peter, was a tourist visiting the area from Switzerland. He said this situation adds to the devastation.

“These people came here to see this beautiful area,” McQuillan said. “We appreciate that. We care deeply about tourism and what it brings to this county. Our sympathy goes out to this family. It’s unwarranted, senseless and there really are no words to describe it.”

Gambale has a criminal history prior to this incident. On September 17, he was arrested in Cody, Wyoming, for a probation violation. He was released on bail just days before this incident. Before appearing in Carbon County, Gambale appeared in Park County, Wyoming court for his latest offenses.

McQuillan said he hopes that timeline will be explained during the investigation.

“I think those are obviously questions that are being asked right now,” McQuillan said. “I don’t have the answers to that question. I mean, it’s going to be a long process until this case is resolved.”

Gambale’s next hearing is scheduled for November 20 and the trial will begin on February 10.