One day there will be justice for Jade

Every January for the last few years, I have written an editorial about the lack of justice for Jade Wagon. She was found deceased Jan. 21, 2020, on the Wind River Reservation. When these editorials first started, they included asking for justice for Jocelyn Watt and Rudy Perez too. They were murdered in January of 2019. Jocelyn was Jade’s sister. 

Thankfully, those responsible for the deaths of Jocelyn and Rudy were finally charged and incarcerated. Wish the same could be said about Jade. She was reported missing by her mom Nicole Wagon on Jan. 2, 2020. As mentioned above, she was found dead later that month. Law enforcement closed the case, noting she was “dropped off.” Her death was ruled an accidental death due to overdose and exposure. Nicole fought hard to have Jade’s case changed from closed to open. Nicole continues to advocate for Jade and said they have received tips in the last year even though Jade died six years ago. If you have any details about Jade’s case, call 1-833-560-2065. One day I hope to be writing that justice for Jade happened. Until then #JusticeForJade

In addition to the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People in Wyoming, many others are missing. Recently Missing People of Wyoming created a “last seen map.” Desiree Tinoco, the director of the nonprofit, said the interactive map is very impactful. The map has the last known locations or places the person was seen according to evidence. When you click on the icon it displays the location, a description of the missing person and, when available, a photo. 

I was surprised that there are eight cases in Yellowstone Park alone. The oldest case is from 1993. All the cases on the map are over one year old and involve individuals whose last known location was Wyoming. The purpose of the map is to highlight the cases as well as help identify potential remains/artifacts. Tinoco said it is also a way to remind people to be prepared when you head out to the wilderness. Even those of us born and raised in Wyoming could get caught up in a freak storm, get injured, lost, etc. It isn’t just the out of staters/city folk. There are plenty of cases of a seasoned Wyomingite who “knows the lay of the land” ending up missing. 

Recently human remains were found in Carbon County. There are four people listed on the interactive map as last seen in Carbon County. What a relief it would be if one of those missing cases could be closed.  Two of the cases are from 1974. 

It may seem gruesome to write about murder, missing people, remains, etc. At the same time, if a little uncomfortableness means justice or closure, it is worth it. The interactive map is on the missinginwyo.com page and on their FB page Missing People of Wyoming. The FB page features current and older cases.