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With assistance from several additional agencies, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) is investigating the death of a man whose remains were located in Lake Superior off the shore of Grand Portage in Cook County.
The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Richard Anthony Balsimo, 34, of St. Paul. The medical examiner said Mr. Balsimo died of homicidal violence. Additional details about his cause of death are pending further investigation. Mr. Balsimo was last seen in St. Paul on June 20. Investigators working with dive teams located his remains in Lake Superior on July 15 and 16.
The Cook County Attorney’s Office on July 16 charged Robert Thomas West of Duluth with one count Aiding an Offender and one count Interference with a Dead Body for his role in the incident. Additional charges are anticipated.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, but based on what is known at this time, investigators do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety.
The BCA is assisted with its investigation by the following agencies:
Cook County Attorney’s Office
Cook County Sheriff ’s Office
Douglas County Sheriff ’s Office (Wisconsin)
Minnesota Attorney General’s Office
St. Louis County Sheriff ’s Office
St. Paul Police Department
Superior Police Department (Wisconsin)
Investigation involves the disappearance of a person with initials R.A.B.
“This unnecessary loss of life is a tragedy. We are grateful for the professional and ongoing investigation by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and assistance and cooperation of multiple jurisdictions including the Minnesota Attorney General, Douglas County (Wisconsin) Sheriff ’s Office, Superior Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, and the St. Louis County Sheriff,” said Cook County Attorney Molly Hicken.
Additional information will be available as the investigation progresses.
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