Body found near Belfield, North Dakota in October now identified

Image courtesy of Stark County Sheriff's Office

As first reported by the Dickinson Press, authorities have identified the body near Belfield as Paul Joseph Lalonde, a 33-year-old from Ferndale, Washington.

The Stark County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lalonde’s remains were found on Oct. 25 2024. The North Dakota Medical Examiner’s Office determined the cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Officials say it took months to confirm Lalonde’s identity due to the advanced state of decomposition and the need for thorough investigative procedures.

Lalonde was reported missing in July 2024. Investigators believe Lalonde left his vehicle at the On the Run stop in Belfield around July 7. Then, Lalonde headed west along Interstate 94 to the location where his remains were discovered.