NAVAJO COUNTY, Ariz. — Native American communities have struggled with high rates of assault, abduction, and murder of tribal members for many years, according to the U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is responsible for investigating federal crimes on almost 200 Native American reservations across the United States. The bureau recently released a list of Native Americans verified to be missing from Indian Country and is asking for help in their cases.
There are 48 cases the FBI is seeking information in, all of which involve members of a tribe. Most are missing person cases and others involve violent crimes where the victim and/or suspect(s) were Indigenous.
Here are a few of those cases with ties to Arizona. A full list can be found here.
If you have information concerning any of these cases, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov (tips can remain anonymous).
Cynthia Acevedo - Missing since 2019
Acevedo was last seen on August 15, 2019, walking near the cemetery in Laveen, Arizona. Her mother reported her missing to the Gila River Police Department on August 31, 2019.
FBI investigators believe the circumstances surrounding Avecedo's disappearance, and possible death, are suspicious.
The bureau is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the indictment and the conviction of those responsible for her disappearance and possible death.
Ella May Begay - Missing since 2021
Begay was reported missing by her family in Sweetwater, Arizona, on June 15, 2021. Her vehicle was seen leaving her house early that morning and it is believed she was headed toward New Mexico.
The FBI is offering a reward up to $5,000 for information on the whereabouts of Begay.
Rosalie Ann Romero - Found dead in 2020
The FBI is looking for information on the death of Rosalie Ann Romero. Romero was found dead in Parker, Arizona, on the Colorado River Indian Tribes Reservation. The case is being investigated as a homicide, officials said.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for her death.
Matthew and Philip Reagan - Victims of 2020 homicide
Matthew and Philip Reagan were killed on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, according to the FBI.
The Reagan brothers' bodies were found in Sawmill, Arizona, on March 21, 2020. The brothers were traveling from Ohio to California and were passing through Sawmill at the time of their deaths, according to the FBI.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for their deaths.
Laverda Sorrell - Missing since 2002
Sorell's husband reported her missing on July 4, 2002, when he dropped her off at an office in Fort Defiance, Arizona. A family member reported her missing days later, on July 8, 2002.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for her disappearance.
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.
