Elmo man's death found to be homicide

POLSON — A Polson man is charged with raping and drowning an Elmo man at Wild Horse Hot Springs just outside the town of Hot Springs.

Melvin Madplume Jr., 29, surrendered to Lake County authorities Thursday, three days after District Judge Kim Christopher issued a warrant for the May 26 death of 26-year-old Lawrence Kenmille. Madplume is charged with sexual intercourse without consent and deliberate homicide.

Prosecutors say Madplume initially told investigators that Kenmille died after falling and hitting his head. An autopsy determined Kenmille had drowned due to homicidal violence, and another man told investigators that Madplume had made unwanted sexual advances toward him at the hot springs the previous weekend.

Madplume made an initial appearance Thursday in district court in Polson. He is being held without bond.