BILLINGS - The identity of the human remains found March 19 in a South Side Billings yard is now known.
Yellowstone County Deputy Coroner Valerie Juhl said Friday the remains found in the backyard at 3815 4th Ave. S. are those of Ronald Lander, a 56-year-old man. Lander was transient and reported missing in 2021.
The cause and manner of death remain undetermined. Juhl said only bones were found in the yard and the clothing was decayed.
No cuts were found on the bones, and the hyoid bone in his neck was intact, suggesting nothing suspicious in his death.
A city code enforcement officer discovered the remains.
Billings police said the death investigation remains ongoing.
"We may never know how long the body was in the yard," Juhl said.
RELATED: Human remains found at Billings South Side residence
