09/05/2024
UPDATE as of Sept. 6, 2024: Arrest made, body recovered in search for missing Ronan man
Regarding the disappearance of 67-year-old Ed Loder, of Ronan:
News from the Lake County Sheriff's Office
Following the report of Ed Loder going missing, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office has been conducting an around the clock investigation with the aid of other agencies. This investigation led investigators to believe that Ed Loder was the victim of a homicide, and a suspect has been arrested. The identity of the suspect is 70-year-old James Lawrence, of Polson, who is being held in the Lake County jail for homicide and tampering with evidence. Lawrence has cooperated with the investigation which has resulted in the recovery of the body of Ed Loder as of 1:30 pm on Friday, September 6. Mr. Loder was recovered in the area of Twin Lakes, southeast of St. Ignatius. His body is being transported to the Montana State Crime Lab for autopsy.
This is the extent of the information that will be released to the public at this time. The Sheriff’s Office would like to extend our gratitude to the Montana Highway Patrol, Flathead Tribal Police and Game Wardens, Lake County Search and Rescue, Flathead County Search and Rescue and the many others not mentioned who aided in this investigation. We would also like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Loder.
ORIGINAL Sept. 5, 2024 post:
Sheriff's Office seeks information about missing person
News from the Lake County Sheriff's Office
On Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at 12:30 p.m., Lake County 911 took a report of a missing person. The dispatch center was informed that 67-year-old, Edwin “Ed” Loder, of Ronan, was apparently missing and the assistance of the Sheriff’s Office was requested in locating him. (See Ed's photo in this post.) Through investigation, it was determined that the last confirmed contact with Ed was on Friday, August 30. The circumstances of the missing person are suspicious due to evidence being located near his home that led investigators to believe Ed may have been assaulted and injured. This evidence was located on Timberlane Road east of Ronan.
Lake County Search and Rescue have conducted an initial search with further search efforts planned for today, Sept. 5. The case remains active with the assistance of multiple area agencies. This is the extent of the information that will be released by the Sheriff’s Office at this time. If any member of the public has information regarding suspicious activity in the area of Timberlane Road from Friday, Aug. 30-Saturday, Aug. 31, please contact the Sheriff’s Office at 406-883-7301 (ext. 1) and we will follow up with you.