BIA MMU positively identifies missing Chickasaw Nation member

LOVE COUNTY, Okla. - The Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit have identified one set of human remains as those of Molly Miller, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation who disappeared in 2013.The remains were found Feb. 18 during a large-scale search operation led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit and the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. The search covered more than 1,000 acres in Love County, in an area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road. The Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the identification on March 31, according to officials. Miller's family were notified this morning.

"Today's confirmation represents a meaningful step toward bringing long-awaited answers in the disappearance of Molly Miller," said BIA MMU Acting Unit Chief Micah Ware (Kiowa). "Our hearts remain with Molly's family, and we hope this development provides even a small measure of closure and clarity. The Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit will continue to pursue every lead and stand with every family we serve as we confront the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis. This effort reflects the Department of the Interior's unwavering commitment to public safety and justice across Indian Country, and we will not waver in that mission."

"The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing answers in all cases involving our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons," said Randy Wesley, Chickasaw Nation Commissioner of Tribal Law Enforcement, "Through continued collaboration with our partner agencies, we are grateful to have reached a point where we can help bring a measure of resolution to the families. We appreciate the Bureau of Indian Affairs' partnership and support throughout this process."

The second set of remains has been identified as Colt Haynes. Both families have been notified. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and will provide updates as more information becomes available.

Investigators said the search area had not been previously examined and was identified after new information emerged and access to the land was obtained.

The operation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management and Texas Search and Rescue.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police at (866) 928-7384 or the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit anonymously at 1-833-560-2065, emailing [email protected]or text BIAMMU to 847411.

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