Man arrested following homicide in Idaho Falls

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - UPDATE 3/31/22: At approximately 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, Idaho Falls Police officers responded to the area of 200 S Woodruff behind Planet Fitness for a report of a possibly deceased person.

Arriving officers located a deceased man, who appeared to have sustained injuries consistent with a gunshot wound.

Idaho Falls Police officers secured the scene and began an investigation into the circumstances of the person’s death.

In the early stages of the investigation through security footage and other information, IFPD Investigators identified the suspect in this incident as Jake Eilander. Officers began searching for Eilander and another person who had been on scene at the time the crime occurred.

At approximately 9:30 p.m., Idaho Falls Police dispatch received information Eilander may be at an address in the 2100 block of St Clair Avenue in Idaho Falls.

IFPD detectives and officers surrounded the location and were able to make contact with two people inside the garage of the residence where Eilander was believed to be. Eilander was located inside the garage and was detained without incident. Near where Eilander had been, officers recovered a loaded handgun with ammunition consistent with evidence found at the crime scene.

The other person, who had been on scene when the death occurred, was also located in the garage. That person was detained for a time and was ultimately released.

Jake Eilander, a 37-year-old male resident of Bonneville County, was arrested and booked into the Bonneville County Jail for Murder – Second Degree (Idaho Statute 18-4001-II).

Police say the victim is identified as 44-year-old Ulises Rangel of Idaho Falls. Next of kin notifications have been made.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing, but at this time police believe all parties involved are accounted for. No further information is expected to be released.

“Throughout the investigation Officers and Investigators were very impressed by community members and business owners in the area,” IFPD Public Information Officer Jessica Clements said. “Everyone was respectful of the space that investigators needed to work, people in the area were helpful and forthcoming, and business owners were understanding of the necessary impact to their businesses. We appreciate serving and partnering with a community that comes together in times like these to do what is best both for the investigation and people involved.”

ORIGINAL: Idaho Falls Police are investigating a Wednesday afternoon suspicious death behind a shopping center.

Police were called around 4 p.m., to the back parking lot of the shopping center on the 200 block of Woodruff Avenue, behind Planet Fitness and Big Deal Outlet.

When officers arrived, they found a deceased individual. IFPD says, this is currently being investigated as a suspicious death. The person's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. No further information will be released at this time.

Local News 8 talked to a neighbor, who did hear a gunshot and several people reported seeing the body.

IFPD says, "Anyone who believes they may have information regarding this incident, including hearing or seeing anything suspicious in the area prior to 4:00 p.m., is asked to contact the Idaho Falls Police Department at (208)529-1200. Information may also be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers at www.ifcrime.org. Tipsters who report information through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a cash reward."

Police said there is no threat to the public.

This is a breaking story and will be updated as information is released.