Investigators from the Rapid City Police Department made a mysterious find in January when they uncovered the remains of a woman. However, the woman’s identity remained unknown at the time. In a news release, the forensics lab Othram, Inc. stated that they were unable to immediately identify the woman. The Rapid City police collaborated with the BIA’s missing and murdered unit to explore the possibility of utilizing advanced DNA testing provided by Othram, which specializes in assisting law enforcement agencies across the United States in solving cold cases. Through a technique known as forensic-grade genome sequencing, the lab’s scientists were able to identify a potential relative of the woman, known as Elbow Shield, by constructing DNA profiles from a sample of evidence collected at the crime scene. Subsequently, a direct DNA sample provided by the relative confirmed the biological match and officially established the identity of Elbow Shield.
The investigation into Elbow Shield’s disappearance and demise is currently ongoing. Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick expressed his thoughts following the confirmation of her identity, stating, “Thousands of hours have been dedicated to the inquiry into Michelle’s disappearance, and we trust that this recent development can provide some closure for her family members.” He added, as reported by CBS News affiliate KELO-TV, “We are unwavering in our commitment to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding her disappearance by working closely with relevant public safety agencies to ensure justice is served in this case. The crucial breakthrough in this investigation was made possible through information shared by the public, and we are determined to utilize all available resources to bring this case to a resolution.”
The alarming frequency at which Indigenous women are reported missing or murdered in the United States has reached crisis levels. Native American women are disproportionately targeted in cases of homicide, sexual assault, and other violent crimes, occurring both on reservations and in nearby communities. In 2016 alone, there were over 5,700 reports of missing Native women and girls, according to the anti-sexual assault organization RAINN, which draws upon data from the National Crime Information Center. More recently, the BIA estimated that approximately 4,200 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals remain unsolved.
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