RAPID CITY, SD – 33-year-old Tyler Slow Bear has been taken into custody for offenses related to the death of his infant son, Melinko Bagola.

The Rapid City Police Department was originally called to Slow Bear’s residence at around 9:05 a.m. on May 7^th for a welfare check after a reporting party stated they were concerned for the child’s safety. It was reported that Melinko was left in the care of Slow Bear; however, when the reporting party went to make contact with the child, he was nowhere to be found. It was learned that the last date the infant had been seen was on April 19^th.

On arrival, police made contact with Slow Bear and were unable to locate the infant in the residence. Slow Bear initially provided the name of a family member who had the child. The family member was located in a different portion of the state, and it was determined that she never had the child.

Slow Bear was brought in for further questioning about the child’s disappearance. During the interview, it was determined that Slow Bear assaulted Melinko while the infant was in his care. It was determined that the infant died at some point following the assault. Following the infant’s death, Slow Bear concealed Melinko’s remains at an undeveloped outdoor location in Rapid City. Police went to the location, based on Slow Bear’s description, and located the infant’s remains.

Slow Bear was subsequently placed under arrest for Second Degree Murder and Improper Disposal of a Body before being transported to the Pennington County Jail.

“The work our officers poured into this case is a testament to their diligence and dedication,” says Rapid City Chief of Police Don Hedrick. “Our team, in collaboration with our local law enforcement partners, worked to thoroughly progress this case from a welfare check to a homicide arrest in less than 24 hours. The loss of a child in our community is never easy, and our hearts ache for those who loved baby Melinko. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure Rapid City is a safe place for every child.”

An autopsy has been scheduled in the ongoing investigation into Melinko’s death. The investigation into this case has been undertaken with the assistance of the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.