Following the March 31st discovery of human remains in the area of 3333 Jolly Lane, Rapid City police have positively identified them as those of Malinda Ader. The positive identification was made through a comparative analysis of Ader’s dental records by a forensic odonatologist.

Ader was 35 at the time of her reported disappearance in June of 2015. She was reported missing by a family member, and it was relayed to police she had a history of mental illness, drug abuse, and attempted suicide. She was last seen by a friend on May 31st, 2015. The friend reported visiting Ader at her residence at 815 New York Street. It was reported that family checked her home in the days after, with nothing appearing out of place.

In the months following, police followed a variety of leads in the case, none of which pointed to any suspicious activity in her disappearance.

With the recent discovery of Ader’s remains, police are turning to forensic science in order to understand the circumstances of her disappearance. Police have submitted evidence to several labs across the country to aid in the investigation. This remains an active, ongoing unattended death investigation being conducted in partnership with the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with any information relevant to this case should contact Det. Rick Arlaud at 394-4134.

The RCPD will issue updates on this case as appropriate.