1. Families of Native American victims left uninformed after tragic mysteries solved
2. Lack of communication with families of Native American victims after mysteries resolved.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
In the winter of 2021, the Shorty family discovered Philbert Shorty’s abandoned car stuck in the mud near the small community of Tsaile, close to the Arizona-New Mexico border. His uncle, Ben Shorty, recalled, “We knew something had happened from the beginning. We couldn’t find any answers.”
After reporting Philbert missing, the family embarked on a two-year search, combing through remote canyons on the Navajo Nation, utilizing radio advertisements and social media posts in a desperate attempt to uncover any leads.
Unfortunately, their efforts yielded no results. Little did they know, Philbert had already been killed more than a week before they reported him missing.
It wasn’t until last summer that Shiloh Aaron Oldrock, a 30-year-old man from Fargo, North Dakota, was charged in connection with Philbert’s death. Oldrock confessed to authorities that he and his uncle had conspired to cover up Philbert’s death by dismembering and burning his body on January 29, 2021.
Addressing a Deep-Seated Crisis
The tragic incident involving Philbert Shorty is just one among many similar cases involving Indigenous individuals in the United States and Canada. The alarming rates of missing persons and unsolved killings within Indigenous communities have garnered the attention of policymakers at the highest levels.
Former President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2019 to establish a task force to address the crisis, followed by Congress passing key legislation in 2020. U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, a staunch advocate for Indigenous rights, has been working under the Biden administration to tackle the systemic issues and jurisdictional challenges that have contributed to the invisibility of victims’ families.
Despite the increased focus on solving such crimes, families like the Shortys continue to endure the pain and uncertainty of not knowing the full truth about their loved ones’ fates.
Promises and Frustrations
While authorities vow transparency and accountability, many Native American families express frustration over the lack of communication regarding the status of ongoing cases. In Philbert Shorty’s case, unanswered questions surrounding the recovery of remains have left his family in limbo, unsure if they will ever be able to provide him with a proper burial.
Darlene Gomez, an attorney in Albuquerque who has represented numerous Native American families, highlighted the common practice of authorities withholding information until an indictment is made, leaving families in the dark about crucial details.
The lack of communication and transparency in these cases has been a recurring issue, as families struggle to navigate the complexities of the justice system while grieving the loss of their loved ones.
A Call for Transparency
Records obtained by the Associated Press revealed chilling details of Oldrock’s confession and the violent events leading to the deaths of both Philbert Shorty and his uncle, Erwin Beach. Oldrock’s sentencing to 35 years in prison for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter shed light on the tragic chain of events fueled by alcohol and violence.
As the families of the victims await closure and justice, organisations like the 4 Corners K-9 Search and Rescue are bridging the gap between families and law enforcement, offering support and guidance during the difficult process of seeking answers.
Ultimately, the story of Philbert Shorty serves as a stark reminder of the deep-seated issues plaguing Indigenous communities, from historical trauma to substance abuse, and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the crisis of missing persons and unsolved killings.
As families continue to grapple with the aftermath of such tragedies, the promise of transparency and accountability must be upheld to ensure that their voices are heard and their loved ones are not forgotten.
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“Native American victim families kept in dark about solved mysteries”.
