ESCANABA - A 30-year-old police case, involving the suspicious death of a Delta County man home on leave from the Air Force, has recently been re-opened, said investigators.
Airman 1st Class James E. Malenfant, 20, was home on leave from Elmendorf Air Force Base in Alaska during the fall of 1979, when his charred remains were found in a Rapid River camp that was destroyed by fire.
"On Oct. 30, 1979, the remains of James E. Malenfant were discovered in the fire debris of a burned down hunting camp located in the Haymeadow Creek area of Rapid River," said Mike Evans, a special agent with the U.S. Forest Service, currently investigating the cold case.
Weeks later, personal items belonging to Malenfant were found hidden in the Hiawatha National Forest, several miles from the fire scene, Evans said.
State Police from the Gladstone Post investigated the case until it was closed in 1980, less than a year after the airman died. His death was said to be accidental.
In August 2008, new evidence surfaced that resulted in the case being reopened, Evans said. Officials no longer believe Malenfant's death was accidental, but suspect foul play may have been involved, the special agent said.
Since the new developments in the case, officials have been reviewing old records and evidence, using scientific and technical advances to analyze items, Evans explained. Evidence includes Malenfant's personal effects and correspondence from others.
Witnesses from 30 years ago have been re-questioned and new witnesses have also been interviewed, Evans said. In addition to the more than 50 interviews, officials have also returned to the scene several times.
State Police Det. Greg Cunningham of the Gladstone Post has been assisting the U.S. Forest Service with interviews and the gathering of information since the investigation was re-opened.
Following the initial investigation by the state police, officials said Malenfant was hitchhiking and was dropped off in the Haymeadow Creek area on Oct. 28, 1979. He had just been released from jail on a drunken driving charge. Officials speculate he got lost and sought shelter in the hunting camp, which accidentally caught fire with him inside.
"That's where we're at right now," said Evans, adding he believes there is more to be told about what happened than what people have been saying.
"We're here to investigate, to find some truth, and bring closure for the family," Evans said. He said the new facts don't support Malenfant's death resulted from an accident or suicide.
According to the people who knew Malenfant, he was a well-liked person and an avid fisherman and hunter, Evans said. He was a graduate of Rapid River High School.
"I'm convinced there are people out there who know something," Evans said. He's hopeful these individuals will offer information to help solve the case."Morally, they need to come forward. They can remain anonymous," Evans said. "They need to think about his family and friends - they have a right to know."
Malenfant's mother died two years ago, never knowing what happened to her son, the special agent commented. Malenfant's father lives in the area.
Evans encourages anyone with information on Malenfant and the circumstances surrounding his death, to call him at (906) 789-3358. Calls may also be made to Michigan State Police in Gladstone at (906) 428-4412. Callers can remain anonymous.
