Sparks Cold Case Solved

In August of 1974 Sparks Police were called to Saint Mary’s Hospital on a report of a 3 year old dying from injuries sustained during a fall. An investigation at the time concluded that there was no foul play involving the death of the child, James Bader.

31-years later Sparks Police Detectives received a phone call from a family member of the deceased, saying they had information that James had been abused by his mother. The 1974 case was reopened and investigated by detectives. Through forensic evidence it was determined that James Bader had been murdered.

Sparks Detectives went to Phoenix, Arizona and interviewed James mother, Kathy Bader. After that interview she was taken into custody on a warrant issued by the Washoe County District Attorney’s office, for Murder and Child Abuse. She was booked into the Maricopa County, Arizona jail where she is being held as a fugitive on this warrant.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to call the Sparks Police Detective Division at 353-2225, Sparks Police Dispatch at 353-2231, or Secret Witness at 322-4900.