MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho — Two women were arrested Sunday in connection to a suspected Mountain Home homicide of a vulnerable adult after human remains were found buried in a shallow grave two days prior.
Megan Marie James and Laura Denise Hamilton, both of Mountain Home, were arrested on June 2 and face charges of first-degree murder, failure to report a death, kidnapping and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. A third suspect, who police have yet to publicly name, was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound as police narrowed in on the suspects.
On May 31, 2024, investigators were informed of human remains found in a remote area of Owyhee County, presumed to be those of a Mountain Home homicide victim killed approximately three years ago, according to the Elmore County Sheriff's Office (ECSO).
With assistance from the Owyhee County Sheriff's Office and Nampa Police Department Forensics Team, detectives were able to identify the remains of the victim and establish a "probable cause" to arrest the three suspects.
ECSO said that on Sunday, police were dispatched to a home on West 4th North Street, where two of the suspects resided. Upon arrival, a two-hour standoff ensued, before one suspect surrendered. Another suspect was found dead inside the home from what police said was "an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound."
The third suspect was located Sunday evening and arrested without incident, police reported.
Megan Marie James and Laura Denise Hamilton were booked into the Elmore County Jail.
Investigators did not release the identity of the victim.
The Elmore County Sheriff's Office said the investigation is ongoing and that no additional details will be released regarding the case.
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