We Are Resilient: An MMIW True Crime Podcast

In this episode of We Are Resilient, we remember Jadie Butterfly, an Indigenous woman who was tragically killed on the Blackfeet Reservation in Montana in December 2024, at just 19 years old. Her case remains open and her family is still waiting for answers.This is a reminder of the strength it takes to keep fighting, even when the system remains silent.Sources:https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/05/on-mmip-day-of-awareness-blackfeet-father-demands-justice/https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Dzayoq2wp/?mibextid=wwXIfrSupport the show

**Listener Request**In 1972, 20-year-old Jeannette Kamahele disappeared while hitchhiking near the Cotati onramp of Highway 101 in Santa Rosa, California. Last seen getting into a faded brown pickup truck, she was never heard from again. Though often linked to the Santa Rosa Hitchhiker Murders, Jeannette's case stands apart as she is the only presumed victim never found.This episode is part of our Lost Coast series, highlighting MMIP cases across Northern California. These are the places where Indigenous women have gone missing, and where silence has often followed. Today, we focus on Jeannette, not just what was taken from her, but what justice still demands.Sources:https://oag.ca.gov/missing/person/jeanette-kamahele-0https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/santa-rosa-hitchhiker-murders/https://www.santarosahitchhikermurders.com/articles.phphttps://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Rosa_hitchhiker_murdershttps://charleyproject.org/case/jeannette-kamaheleSupport the show

Trystan Benallie was a 28-year-old Indigenous mother of five, killed in a 2021 domestic violence shooting in Phoenix, Arizona. Despite having a protective order, she and a friend were murdered days after her abuser was released from jail on reduced charges. Her story exposes the deep failures in a system meant to protect survivors.Sources:https://www.abc15.com/news/crime/family-of-domestic-violence-shooting-victim-trystan-benallie-speaks-outhttps://www.facebook.com/share/16RCBvq47t/?mibextid=wwXIfrSupport the show

In 1999, there was no national spotlight on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The movement, as we know it today, didn't exist. There were no hashtags. No public campaigns. No national awareness.That year, LaTisha Brien was murdered and for years, her family carried the weight of that loss alone. There was no justice. No recognition. No platform to speak the truth of what happened to her.Now, more than two decades later, her loved ones have asked us to help share her story.Sources:https://caselaw.findlaw.com/court/mn-supreme-court/1372292.htmlhttps://cdn.zephyrcms.com/c5444f42-0d89-4699-be7b-1c17c5f0f92d/-/inline/yes/i-got-flowers-poem.pdfhttps://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/mmiw/mmip-families-request-reviews-of-both-cold-and-active-cases-at-hardin-rally/article_8156282d-f6d7-59fb-8600-ec915ec55925.htmlSupport the show

In this mini episode, we share the story of Tara Lynn Woodman, an 18-year-old Diné woman who vanished in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2005. Tara had recently moved to the city after graduating high school, but months later, she stopped contacting her family. Her skeletal remains were discovered just days before she was reported missing, but it would take years and a sketch to finally identify her. Sources:https://www.facebook.com/share/1AJK22BTga/?mibextid=wwXIfrhttps://unidentified-awareness.fandom.com/wiki/Tara_WoodmanSupport the show

We're joined this week by our very first guest—Brooklyn Brown, reporter for The Cherokee One Feather—as we visit the powerful and heartbreaking story of Dora Owl, a young Cherokee mother whose life was taken in 1947.Through Brooklyn's reporting and conversations with Dora's family, we reflect on the generational impact of her loss and the importance of remembering the names and stories history tried to erase.This is a story of silence, resilience, and truth—and one we're honored to share.Source:https://theonefeather.com/2024/05/02/mmiw-profile-dora-owl/Support the show

In April 2023, Candrick Begay, 31, and his co-worker, Anthony McCants, 26, were working at the Highway 64 Auto Salvage in San Juan County, NM, when they were sent out to pull parts for a truck. They never returned. Both men were found murdered—and nearly two years later, their killer still hasn't been caught. With no surveillance footage and few leads, their families remain trapped in grief and unanswered questions. In this episode, we examine the rural silence surrounding this case, the investigative challenges, and the heartbreaking reality of what it means to seek justice when justice never comes.Sources:Investigation continues after double murder in San Juan County last yearWife of homicide victim questions circumstances of his death - The Tri-City RecordFamilies of two men murdered at San Juan County job continue to push for answersMass shooting, double homicide raise number of killings in 2023 - The JournalDouble homicide at N.M. salvage yard remains under investigation - The Durango HeraldSupport the show

A mother and daughter, murdered six years apart in Denver, Colorado—both cases unsolved, both stories forgotten.No arrests. No suspects. No answers.Why were their cases ignored? How does a mother and daughter get murdered in the same city, and no one talks about it?If you have any information, contact Denver PD at 720-913-2000.Sources:https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/coldcase/casedetail.html?id=782https://apps.colorado.gov/apps/coldcase/casedetail.html?id=783Support the show

Fourteen-year-old Emily Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, was reported missing in Mesa, Arizona, in late January 2025. Weeks later, in February, her remains were discovered and later identified—confirming the worst fears of her loved ones. The details surrounding her death are horrific, and the outrage continues to grow as more information comes to light.While we haven't yet covered Emily's case in full, we couldn't stay silent. In this special update episode, we break down what we know so far, and why we must demand justice for Emily.She deserved protection. She deserved a future. She deserved better.Sources:https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona/2025/03/16/emily-pike-vigil-on-san-carlos-apache-reservation/82448539007/https://nativenewsonline.net/currents/san-carlos-tribe-offers-75-000-reward-in-death-of-14-year-old-emily-pikeSupport the show

In 2016, 20 year old Mariah High Hawk was found under a trailer in Rapid City, South Dakota. Police ruled her death an accident, but her family saw bruises and believe otherwise. In this episode, we examine the inconsistencies, law enforcement's response, and the larger pattern of MMIP cases dismissed as accidents.Sources:https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/mariah-angel-high-hawk/https://www.kotatv.com/content/news/High-Hawk-Family-demands-answers-from-Rapid-City-Police-Department--413648883.htmlhttps://www.argusleader.com/story/news/crime/2017/02/14/family-woman-seeks-answers-anniversary-her-death/97907216/https://cantetenza.wordpress.com/2017/02/13/high-hawk-family-alleges-police-cover-up-in-death-of-daughter/https://www.kotatv.com/content/news/Family-continues-to-fight-for-justice-440826683.htmlSupport the show

Today marks five years since Jennifer Janelle Jesse, 30, was found murdered in Union City, Oklahoma. The case remains unsolved, but the OSBI just renewed its push for answers, offering a $10,000 reward and releasing images of a man seen at a Braum's in Oklahoma City nine days before her death.Could he hold the key to justice? If you have any information, call 1-800-522-8017 or email tips@osbi.ok.gov. Listen now for the latest updates.Sources:https://kfor.com/news/local/cold-case-osbi-offers-10000-in-2020-homicide-of-jennifer-jesse/amp/https://www.koco.com/article/jennifer-jesse-shooting-homicide-osbi-increases-reward-union-city/64151459Support the show

In this episode, we share the story of Quana Big Spring, a 17-year-old from Kansas City, who remains missing. She was last seen on October 30, 2023, when she went out for a walk around 7 p.m. and never returned home. Quana, who is 5'4” and 125 pounds, has gone missing twice before—each time facing dangers that highlight the systemic failures in protecting Indigenous youth.Her case ties into the national crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP), where nearly 3,000 Native American children were reported missing to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children between 2012 and 2021. Alarmingly, 90% were labeled as “endangered runaways.” This classification often leads to a lack of urgency in their cases, leaving families to search for answers on their own.Sources:https://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/quanas-story-national-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-peoples-crisis-unfolding-in-kansas-cityhttps://www.kshb.com/news/local-news/investigations/family-belton-police-need-help-finding-missing-teenager-quana-big-springSupport the show

In December 2019, 16-year-old Lacey Kaide Arkinson was killed in a hit-and-run on the Rocky Boy Reservation in Montana. She was struck by Shoshana Saddler, who had been drinking at a local bar and fled the scene without stopping. In this episode, we discuss her life, the failures of the justice system, and why Indigenous victims deserve better.Sources:https://hilinetoday.com/woman-sentenced-to-18-months-for-2019-hit-and-run-death-of-teenager-in-rocky-boy/https://www.hollandbonine.com/obituary/lacey-arkinsonhttps://www.ktvq.com/news/montana-news/hill-county-hit-and-run-victim-identifiedSupport the show

In this powerful update episode, we revisit the cases of Mika Westwolf, Michelle Elbow Shield, and Aubrey Dameron, three Indigenous individuals whose stories we've covered and whose families have fought tirelessly for answers.After a long legal battle, Mika's killer has finally been sentenced, bringing a measure of justice to her loved ones. Meanwhile, Michelle and Aubrey, who had been missing for years, have been found and identified. Their families now face the heartbreaking reality of loss, but their fight for justice is far from over.Join us as we discuss these critical updates, the systemic issues that continue to impact MMIP cases, and what's next in the pursuit of justice for Mika, Michelle, and Aubrey.Support the show

In 1980, 10-year-old Michael Gann vanished without a trace from his home in Oklahoma. Despite efforts to find him, his case remains unsolved, leaving behind decades of unanswered questions. What happened to Michael that day? How did a young boy simply disappear? The lack of records, media coverage, and investigative updates isn't unusual, it's something we see far too often in cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous people. Even when the details are scarce, these stories still deserve to be told.Sources:https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-daily-oklahoman-michael-sean-gann-8/136367654/?locale=en-UShttps://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1982/07/27/boys-slayer-eludes-citys-police-for-year/62877543007/Support the show

In this episode of We Are Resilient, we delve into the mysterious disappearance of Calvin Willie Martinez, a 31-year-old Navajo man who vanished without a trace in 2019. As questions mount and answers remain elusive, Calvin's family's fight for the truth reveals both the heartbreak and strength of a community refusing to give up. What happened on that fateful day? Sources:https://charleyproject.org/case/calvin-willie-martinezhttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/ncna1098691https://missingpersons.news/calvin-willie-martinez/Support the show

Lloyd Bald Eagle, a 62 year-old Lakota man and military veteran, went missing from Rapid City, South Dakota, in November 2022. Nearly two years later, his remains were identified in October 2024, but questions still linger as his cause of death remains unclear. In this episode, we share Lloyd's story, honor his life, and discuss the ongoing challenges faced by families impacted by the MMIP crisis.Sources:https://www.newscenter1.tv/lifestyle/who-was-lloyd-bald-eaglehttps://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/lloyd-bald-eagle-obituary?id=56553632https://www.kotatv.com/2024/10/17/police-identify-body-found-north-rapid-culvert/?outputType=amphttps://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2024/07/31/missing-murdered-filmmaker-producer-disappears/?outputType=ampSupport the show

Annie Mae Aquash was a Mi'kmaq activist and a powerful voice in the American Indian Movement. From her pivotal role at Wounded Knee to her tragic murder on Pine Ridge in 1975, her story remains one of courage, betrayal, and unanswered questions. In this episode, we honor Annie Mae's legacy and delve into the truths and mysteries surrounding her life and untimely death.Sources:Vow of Silence: The Assassination of Annie Mae on Hulu! https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Mae_AquashSupport the show

In this mini episode, we uncover the case of Matthew Broncho, a 30-year-old member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes who vanished from Fort Hall, Idaho, in March 2019. Years later, his remains were discovered in the desolate mountains of Utah, raising more questions than answers. What happened to Matthew, and who is responsible?Sources:https://people.com/skeletal-remains-found-in-remote-utah-mountain-range-identified-as-man-missing-since-2019-8643941https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/remains-of-idaho-man-missing-since-2019-found-in-box-elder-countyhttps://www.hawkerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Matthew-Broncho?obId=32922056https://amp.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/article288358070.htmlSupport the show

In this episode, we cover significant developments in two emotional cases. Nearly five years after Selena Not Afraid's disappearance, an arrest has been made, bringing new hope for justice in her case. We also discuss the recent conclusion of a trial related to the 2021 deaths of Jessica “Jet” Calhoun and her daughter, Ah-Yo-Ka “Yoki Bear” Calhoun, both members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Tune in as we share these updates and honor the lives impacted by these devastating events.Sources:https://theonefeather.com/2024/12/11/wilnoty-receives-two-counts-of-felony-death-by-vehicle-murder-charges-dismissed/https://www.ktvq.com/news/crime-watch/man-charged-5-years-after-disappearance-of-hardin-teen-selena-not-afraidSupport the show

In December 2017, 39-year-old Audra Willis was tragically murdered in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in a case that initially baffled investigators. For over a year, there were no leads, and her family was left without answers or justice. However, in a surprising turn of events, an unlikely witness came forward with crucial information providing the breakthrough needed to identify her killer.Sources:https://www.krqe.com/news/crime/man-sentenced-for-stabbing-decapitating-homeless-woman-in-2017/https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/albuquerque-man-sentenced-for-decapitating-woman-in-2017/https://www.koat.com/article/police-identify-woman-who-was-decapitated-found-in-four-hills/14520172https://www.koat.com/article/albuquerque-foothills-man-guilty-2017-murder/43637341Support the show

This Christmas Eve, we revisit the story of Janice Hannigan, a 16-year-old Yakima girl who disappeared on this very day in 1971 in Washington state. Her case remains unsolved, and her story is a somber reminder that the MMIP crisis doesn't take a holiday. Join me for this special recap episode as we reflect on Janice's life, her family's heartbreak, and the systemic challenges that continue to leave families searching for answers. Sources:https://charleyproject.org/case/janice-marie-hanniganhttps://www.yakimaherald.com/news/topics/the_vanished/47-years-zero-answers-16-year-old-janice-hannigan-of-toppenish-disappeared-after-christmas-eve/article_320dd326-da70-11e8-b3d5-cf9009f8677d.amp.htmlSupport the show

In 1989, Ronald Jack, his wife Doreen and their two young sons, Russell and Ryan, vanished without a trace from Prince George, British Columbia. What began as a hopeful opportunity quickly turned into one of the region's most enduring mysteries. Decades later, questions remain unanswered, and the search for the truth continues.Sources:Vigil remembers missing B.C. family 35 years after disappearance | CBC NewsRelatives of Prince George family missing since 1989 mount new search | Vancouver SunThe Disappearance of the Jack Family - Missing since 1989 - Prince George, B.C. — CANADA UNSOLVEDSupport the show

In 2023, a 28-year-old Pascua Yaqui woman, Wilma Acosta, embarked on an exciting new chapter by moving to Portland, Oregon, filled with hope and the promise of new beginnings. But just a few months later, she vanished, leaving her family, friends, and community devastated and searching for answers.Sources:https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/south-bay/south-bay-family-missing-daughter/3388725/?os=f&ref=apphttps://www.opb.org/article/2024/08/26/wilma-acosta-yaqui-disappearance-portland-police/https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=503185https://www.portlandoregon.gov/police/news/read.cfm?id=503185https://www.kgw.com/article/news/local/missing-woman-wilma-acosta-portland-dead-willamette-river/283-55d767e2-8233-47c0-80be-94a7c2a259ddhttps://www.koin.com/local/multnomah-county/portland-police-family-disagree-over-investigation-into-missing-woman/

We're excited to be back! We Are Resilient returns with more MMIP stories, and Sgili Queens is ready with fresh spooky and pop culture episodes. Catch both starting December 1 on Apple, Spotify, and more!

Melissa Montoya, 42, was of the Jicarilla Apache Nation and in 2001 was living with her boyfriend in Colorado, about about 30 minutes for her hometown of Dulce, New Mexico on the Jicarilla Apache Nation Reservation. On March 9th, 2001 during an evening out Melissa vanished without a trace. Sources:https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna164088https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/search-continues-for-new-mexico-woman-23-years-after-disappearance/https://radio.foxnews.com/2024/06/18/disappearance-in-dulce-the-case-of-melissa-montoya/

Shauntae Marshall, 26, is a member of the Navajo Nation in Albuquerque, New Mexico who went missing in June 2024. Her family desperately needs help to find her.Sources:https://mmip.nmdoj.gov/dashboard.html

In August 2022, 28-year-old Whisper Sellars was shot to death outside a saloon in Montana. Two years later, her killer finally had his day in court and Whisper's family and friends finally received justice.Sources:https://www.krtv.com/news/crime-and-courts/del-orrin-crawford-found-guilty-for-deadly-martin-city-shootinghttps://flatheadbeacon.com/2024/07/23/trial-begins-for-man-accused-in-martin-city-murder/https://flatheadbeacon.com/2024/07/25/jury-convicts-kila-man-of-martin-city-murder/

According to the National Inquiry in Canada, Indigenous women are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than any other women in Canada, and 16 times more likely than Caucasian women.This  statistic is especially terrifying when the world learned that in 2022 a serial killer targeting Indigenous women was captured in Winnipeg. Sources:https://ywcavan.org/blog/2019/10/mmiwg-truth-actionCanada: unidentified victim of alleged serial killer given name Buffalo Woman | Canada | The GuardianCanadian man charged with murdering four Indigenous women | Canada | The GuardianJeremy Skibicki to plead not guilty on all charges in 1st-degree murder case: lawyer - Winnipeg | Globalnews.caWinnipeg trial hears admitted serial killer searched web for serial killer definition - Winnipeg | Globalnews.cahttps://globalnews.ca/news/10494416/trial-of-winnipeg-serial-killer-expected-to-hear-testimony-from-dna-expert/Winnipeg trial hears victims' clothing, jewelry found in serial killer's apartment - Winnipeg | Globalnews.ca‘As though they were garbage': Trial hears serial killer targeted Indigenous women - Winnipeg | Globalnews.caWinnipeg serial killer told shelter worker 'he was just there to stalk his victims,' trial hears | CBC NewsWomen's remains believed to have spent 2 weeks in same Winnipeg dumpster before going to landfill, trial hears | CBC NewsSerial killer who targeted Indigenous women gets life sentence in Canada - ICT NewsCanadian serial killer Jeremy Skibicki found guilty of murdering four women (bbc.com)

In April 2024, 36 year old Utahnna Bearcomesout was out on drive with her husband and daughter in Fort Washakie, Wyoming when a tragic turn of events cost her, her life. With her husband behind bars, her family and friends are desperately seeking justice.Sources:https://cowboystatedaily.com/2024/06/10/hes-not-sorry-family-of-slain-woman-says-as-accused-killer-pleads-not-guilty/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2bOKmZWinWfA1crN1HP66CkkVSUngWbFaJALqKyY6b8XN72rS1mIeyjmI_aem_eWofmuH0NGtnzEmK_5dwUQ

Delema Sits Poor was just 12 years old when she disappeared from Pine Ridge, South Dakota in February 1974. She and another twelve-year-old girl left Delema's home walking a back road from Oglala to Manderson on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. Her friend turned back to head back home, Delema did not. She was never seen again. Sources:Delema Lou Sits Poor – The Charley Project50 years later, Lakota girl still missing - ICT NewsSearch for Native woman's identity reignites - ICT News

In October, 2010, 32 year old Sumi Gail Juan, a member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe, disappeared without a trace. Her story, mirroring similarities with another Hoopa Valley woman, further highlights the prevalence and complexities of the MMIW crisis that is happening in Northern California. Sources:https://www.equatorinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Yurok-Tribe-Case-Study-English-FNL.pdfhttps://www.equatorinitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Yurok-Tribe-Case-Study-English-FNL.pdfhttps://humboldtgov.org/DocumentCenter/View/115172/sumi-juan-case-press-releaseshttps://www.latimes.com/california/story/2023-03-14/native-americans-tribes-california-missing-women-girls

On October 20, 2020, one day before her 18th birthday, Jalajhia Finklea of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe was last seen getting into a rental car driven by a Florida man near her mother's home in New Bedford, MA.  She was never seen alive again.Sources: Missing Mass. Teen Jalajhia Finklea Was Pregnant: Police Report – NBC BostonPregnant teen, 18, found dead in Florida 1,400 miles from home after five weeks missing as 'kidnapper' shot by cops | The US Sun (the-sun.com)Autopsy: Mashpee teen was shot - ICT NewsMashpee Teen Still Missing After Officers Shoot Man Wanted in Her Disappearance – NBC BostonMashpee Wampanoag Tribe (mashpeewampanoagtribe-nsn.gov)Missing Pregnant Teen Found Dead In Florida, Believed To Be Jalajhia Finklea (balleralert.com)Suspect Killed by Law Enforcement, But Mashpee Wampanoag Woman Still Missing | Currents (nativenewsonline.net)Missing Mashpee woman's body found in Florida, autopsy confirms (heraldnews.com)Gunshots listed as Jalajhia Finklea cause of death; phone led police to body in Fellsmere (tcpalm.com)New Bedford Police search for missing teen, member of Mashpee Wampanoag tribe – Boston 25 News

Send us a Text Message.In 2017, the body of 21-year-old Ci'Lina Deloney was found on a Comanche Country Road in Oklahoma. Known to her family and friends as CiCi, her murder remains unsolved and her family struggles with getting CiCi's story heard.Sources:Family seeks answers for Ci'Lina Deloney's death (kswo.com)Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation looking for leads in Comanche County cold case (okcfox.com)Mother seeks justice in daughter's murder (kswo.com)Unsolved Homicide: Ci'Lina Teira Bell-Deloney – If you have credible information about Ci'Lina's murder, contact the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation at 1-800-522-8017. You can remain anonymous. (wordpress.com)

Michelle Elbow Shield, age 26, went missing on September 27, 2023. It is believed she was in the Sioux Falls, SD area and was last seen.Michelle has light brown eyes and brown hair. She is 4' 10" and weighs approximately 100 pounds. Michelle also has tattoos, one is a butterfly on her left ankle, an infinity symbol on her left arm with the names Michelle and Cody Red Wing and a heart with devil horns behind her right ear. Michelle was last seen wearing a black, blue and gray sweater and black jeans.Sources:https://www.bia.gov/missing-murdered-cases/michelle-elbow-shield#:~:text=Profile&text=Michelle%20Elbow%20Shield%20went%20missing,blue%20sweater%20and%20black%20jeans.https://www.kotatv.com/2024/01/18/police-seek-pine-ridge-woman-missing-since-october/https://www.greatplainstribalhealth.org/missing-and-murdered-indigenous-women.htmlhttps://missingpersons.sd.gov/https://www.newscenter1.tv/news/pennington-county-missing-persons/article_ac0ebdda-bc78-11ee-8bbd-2380e5b4bb58.html

In April 2023, the body of 16-year-old Ruby Sky Montelongo was discovered in a vacant lot in Covelo, California. Her death came three weeks after the death of 20-year-old Round Valley Man. With the rates of Missing and Murdered Indigenous people skyrocketing in Northern California, Round Valley Indians Tribes have declared a state of emergency. Sources:California girl, 15, suspected of killing another teenager | AP News‘They took everything': an Indigenous town rocked by the killings of young people | Indigenous peoples | The GuardianGirl, 15, suspected in killing of girl, 16, as NorCal town reels (sfgate.com)MMIW: Ruby Sky Montelongo - The Cherokee One Feather (theonefeather.com)California tribes ask lawmakers for help to stem violence - Los Angeles Times (latimes.com)15-Year-Old Girl Booked for Murder as a Suspect in the Killing of Covelo Teen | MendoFever – Mendocino County NewsRound Valley Indian Tribes of the Round Valley Reservation - Wikipedia

Esther Wolfe, a 25-year-old South Dakotan woman was shot and killed on February 21st 2024, in what news reports have called a public execution. Her story prior to her death had been one with filled unimaginable pain and overcoming the most harrowing of circumstances.Sources:https://www.blackhillsfox.com/2024/02/28/states-attorney-esther-wolfe-death-was-public-execution/?outputType=amphttps://www.keloland.com/news/local-news/2nd-man-arrested-in-connection-with-death-of-esther-wolfe/amp/https://www.kotatv.com/2024/03/05/second-suspect-involved-death-esther-wolfe-appears-court/?outputType=amphttps://www.siouxfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Esther-Marie-Wolfe?obId=30866952

In February 2024, 52-year-old Brian Steven Smith, a South African man residing in Alaska, was convicted of the savage killings of two Alaskan Native women, Kathleen Henry and Veronica Abouchuk. The grim particulars surrounding their demise are chilling and profoundly unsettling. Listener discretion is advised.Sources: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2024/022224-Smith.htmlhttps://www.alaskasnewssource.com/2024/02/23/brian-smith-found-guilty-14-charges-related-murders-2-women/https://people.com/brian-steven-smith-murder-conviction-two-women-alaska-8598994https://heavy.com/news/2019/10/kathleen-j-henry/https://www.ktoo.org/2024/02/23/jury-makes-quick-decision-in-the-brian-smith-murder-trial-convicting-him-in-the-deaths-of-two-native-women/

She was called Mighty Mia. In 2007, at 18 years old, she was embarking on her freshman year of college at the University of Arizona and excited about the new chapter in her life. A member of the Navajo Nation, Mia had dreams to become a doctor and return to her tribe to help her people. She never got that chance.Sources:https://tucson.com/news/blogs/police-beat/life-sentence-affirmed-in-2007-ua-homicide/article_9fbce65d-cf7a-5cb7-9c77-cc9d8527d4b1.htmlhttps://www.nhonews.com/news/2008/sep/16/remembering-mia-henderson/https://murderpedia.org/female.H/h/harrison-galareka.htmhttps://navajotimes.com/news/2008/1108/112508harrison.phphttps://www.eastvalleytribune.com/news/former-ua-student-gets-life-in-dorm-stabbing/article_a72779e6-fb82-5db7-9c1a-213cf52f22cd.htmlhttps://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21398968/mia-janelle-henderson

Bryanna Rayne Ducheneaux Clown was 22 years old and on the cusp of doing great things in her community in Eagle Butte, South Dakota, however, her promising young life was cut short in October 2023 and her family is demanding answers.Sources:https://kbhbradio.com/women-from-eagle-butte-found-dead-near-terry-peak/https://www.blackhillsfox.com/2023/11/07/eagle-butte-woman-found-dead-near-terry-peak/?outputType=amphttps://www.keslingfuneralhome.net/obituary/bryanna-ducheneaux-clown

In 2020, the body of Susanna “Sue Sue” Norton, 30, was discovered in an ex-Alaskan Mayor's house, beaten and strangled. An autopsy determined the cause of death to be homicide. If this sounds familiar, it's because it's the same property where two years earlier the body of 25-year-old Jennifer Kirk was found. There have been no arrests made in either case.Sources:https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/11/21/for-families-in-northwest-alaska-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths-and-suicides/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12740427/alaska-mayor-sons-girlfriends-dead.htmlhttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23911794-pra-response-of-kpd-cok-august-3-2023-for-kyle-hopkins-adn-jennifer-kirk-death-investigation#document/p8/a2374340https://www.propublica.org/article/for-alaska-families-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths

In 2018, the body of 25 year old Jennifer Kirk was discovered an ex-mayor's property in Alaska with police swiftly closing the case declaring her death a suicide. Her family believes otherwise as Jennifer had allegedly been involved in a tumultuous relationship with the ex-mayor's son.Sources:https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/crime-courts/2023/11/21/for-families-in-northwest-alaska-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths-and-suicides/https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12740427/alaska-mayor-sons-girlfriends-dead.htmlhttps://www.documentcloud.org/documents/23911794-pra-response-of-kpd-cok-august-3-2023-for-kyle-hopkins-adn-jennifer-kirk-death-investigation#document/p8/a2374340https://www.propublica.org/article/for-alaska-families-questions-remain-about-unsolved-deaths

Four years ago, on New Year's Day in 2020, Selena Not Afraid, 16, vanished at a rest stop in Big Horn County, Montana. Her body was discovered almost three weeks later in a field less than 1 mile from the rest stop where she was seen. We are revisiting her story, as her death was ruled accidental from hypothermia, yet the circumstances around her death remain suspicious, and her family is still searching for answers.Sources:https://open.spotify.com/episode/6CGgSZvJFlGzmXGtaXDFZO?si=5xflVo6hRTuTJ1xbybRGhwhttps://open.spotify.com/episode/5100SUTb9VtUpZvNBngO1R?si=4a9887d73a464721

In August 2021, Mercedes Hernandez, 19, was killed in a senseless act of gun violence in Milwaukee, WI. The man who shot her, 21-year-old Renzo Rascon-Gamboa, has eluded custody and remains on the run.Rascon-Gamboa has been allegedly spotted in Veracruz, Mexico. If you know of Rascon-Gamboa's whereabouts, please contact the Milwaukee Police Department, District 2, at (414) 935-7360.Sources:Milwaukee man accused, double shooting on city's south side (fox6now.com)Arrest warrant issued for man accused in double shooting on Milwaukee's south side (cbs58.com)Renzo Rascon-Gamboa Charged With 1st-degree Reckless Homicide For The Fatal Shooting On August 26 That Left A 19-year-old Woman Dead And Another Injured | Hispanic News Network USA Blog (wordpress.com)https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mAwwlMBwGA24vDCBM1eiO?si=3Sdu9eWqSRGtVI7qVLrPmg

On September 10th, 2001 the body of 15-year-old Jessie Marie Twilight Song Crooks was found 5 miles from her home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. To this day, her case remains unsolved.Anyone with information on the murder of Twilight Song Crooks is encouraged to call the Warren County Sheriff's Office at 1-270-842-1633.Sources:FacebookHelp still needed to solve slaying of Twilight Crooks | Our Opinion | bgdailynews.comhttps://www.bgdailynews.com/opinion/our_opinion/help-still-needed-to-solve-slaying-of-twilight-crooks/article_5e67f92b-278a-5d0a-8909-f3a9ec84f62b.html#2: Who Killed Twilight Crooks? – Crackin' a Cold One (wordpress.com)A teenage girl was found dead after a mysterious phone call. Two decades later, the case is being reopened | The IndependentTHE LONG WAIT | News | bgdailynews.com

On Tuesday, November 21, 2023 the Cherokee Indian Police Department, FBI, and BIA made an arrest in connection to the murder of 26 year old EBCI enrolled member Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. It's been 10 years since her body was found inside a burned vehicle on the Qualla Boundary in North Carolina with no arrests or charges. We have been waiting for this day.

Today's episode is different. We had the opportunity to look back on past cases and talk about what we've learned over the last two years of hosting We are Resilient. What have we learned? There's still so much more work to be done.

On May 5th, 1987, 24-year-old Christine Lester left her home in Arizona to go shopping and was never heard from again. It would be 36 years after her disappearance that her family would receive the news that her remains were discovered on a rural road in California.We have an update on Jamie Yazzie, a young mother who went missing in Arizona in 2019!For links to information founds for this episode:Remains found in 1987 identified as Christine Lester, Navajo woman who had "explicit" letter sent to her - CBS NewsDNA identifies missing Navajo Nation woman as homicide victim found in California (azfamily.com)Christine Lester's body returns home with somber escort - Navajo TimesChristine Lester – The Charley Projecthttps://www.koat.com/amp/article/new-mexico-arizona-jamie-yazzie-missimg-murdered-indigenous-women-mmiw-mmip-koat-outcry/45349570

Your favorite “We Are Resilient” podcast hosts are here with a brand new podcast! We talk, laugh and ramble on about all things Indigenous and spooky!Follow us @sgiliqueenspodcast 

In April 2015, 30-year-old Jessie Waters' lifeless body was discovered just off Hwy 18 just south of Oglala in South Dakota. Even though her life was marred by domestic violence, there are still no arrests made in connection with her death, and her family is still seeking justice. For links to information found for this episode:https://indianz.com/News/2019/01/28/native-sun-news-justice-for-jessie.asphttps://indianz.com/News/2015/017805.asphttps://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/11865215/Jesie-Watershttps://www.nativesunnews.today/articles/family-wants-justice-for-murdered-oglala-woman/https://www.thehotline.org/support-others/ways-to-support-a-domestic-violence-survivor/https://ncadv.org/why-do-victims-stayhttps://apnews.com/article/drug-crimes-sd-state-wire-south-dakota-crime-law-enforcement-307069e11354966bbec6ce9625246237

In February 1979, Mona Lisa Two Eagle was last seen leaving her home on the Rosebud Sioux Reservation in South Dakota only to be found two weeks later murdered in a field. Her family is still seeking justice.If you have any information regarding the murder of Mona Lisa Two Eagle please contact the BIA OJS MMU at 1-833-560-2065.For links to information found for this episode:MOU 2022 FBI BIAEquity Action Plan Summary: U.S. Department of the Interior (whitehouse.gov)CREC-2017-10-05-pt1-PgS6361.pdf (congress.gov)Mona Lisa Two Eagle | Indian Affairs (bia.gov)When the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Crisis Hits Home | Teen VogueThe Unsolved 1979 Murder Of Mona Lisa Two Eagle