Remains found near Norris, MT identified as Clayton Quayle (missing for 47 years)

Charley Project

NBC Montana

Remains found Aug. 13, 2025 in the Revenue Flats area have been identified as Clayton Quayle. Investigators believe his death was a homicide.

Clayton was last seen in Bozeman on June 6, 1978. He was one to travel, at times without telling his family or friends, so he was reported missing on September 8. In a newspaper article, his brother said there was no indication of any missing clothes at Clayton’s house, where all of the lights were found left on.

In October 1978 his vehicle was found on a ranch road in the Revenue Flats area. The doors were locked, there were no fresh tire marks nearby, and the keys were found in a “crevice” about fifteen feet away. What at first looked like blood stains on the car seats ended up being berry juice.

A rancher reported having seen it there as early as July, and authorities believe it was placed there deliberately.

I’m familiar with this area and was wondering when the remains found last summer would be ID’d. Amazing that his family at least has closure and could be reunited with him.

A statement from his brother:

>”I am in awe of God's mercy in this unprecedented miracle. After 47 years, my brother Clayton Quayle's remains have been found.

What has felt like a question that would never be answered this side of heaven, through the thorough work of a private mining company west of Norris on the Revenue Flats, his remains were discovered.

First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to retired Gallatin County Sheriff Bill Slaughter, retired Deputy Red Wilson, Madison County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Duncan Hedges, Deputy Leah Cox, Medical Examiner Willie Kemp, Gallatin County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Dan Springer, Detective Kyle Hodges, and DCI Agent Jess Metcalf. Through their collaborative work; my brother has been brought home to us.

In sharing this publicly, I pray it gives other families the courage to never give up and the faith and hope to keep searching for their missing loved ones. Now, my family and I can lay Clayton to rest and know the immense peace that comes with this closure.