We will never forget to remember their names

For many, the start of the new year stands for letting the past year go and looking forward to the new one. 

For Nicole Wagon and me, the new year signals the anniversary of the deaths of Nicole’s daughters. We will never forget to remember their names and stories. 

Jocelyn and partner Rudy were murdered Jan. 5, 2019. Daughter Jade was found deceased Jan. 21, 2020. However, her mother and sister Jewel believe her actual date of death was Jan. 4. As they were driving to church that day, they felt Jade’s spirit leave them. 

While the murderer of Jocelyn and Rudy was finally convicted, Jade’s was not. At first, her case was “closed.” The death was ruled an accidental death due to overdose and exposure. Law enforcement said she was dropped off where her body was found. Yet they closed the case without ever investigating who dropped her off there. 

Nicole’s advocacy for her daughters and other missing and murdered indigenous people resulted in Jade’s case being re-opened. A Missing and Murdered unit of the U.S. Department of the Interior Indian Affairs was created in 2021. After Nicole testified before them, they reopened Jade’s murder case. The number to report a Missing or Murder Indigenous People (MMIP) case is 833-560-2065. You can also text “BIAMMU” to 87411. 

While this unit is specific to indigenous people, missing and murdered people of all races/creeds is not limited to indigenous in Wyoming. 

Desiree Tinoco runs the Facebook page “Missing people of Wyoming.” It states, “Our mission is to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the public regarding missing persons cases while also assisting the loved ones of those that are missing. All cases are verified with authorities. Once the missing has been found all personal information is removed.” 

Two cases from Big Horn County are active on the site: Davante Richardson and Billie Danell Bennett. Richardson’s vehicle was found east of Greybull in July 2020. Bennett’s was found near the Crystal Creek Rest Area in July 2021. 

Wyoming is one of 10 states that does not have a protocol for missing adults. Tinoco asked on the page for people to “be a voice for the missing by sharing the missing with legislators and government officials throughout the state of Wyoming.” Legislators that are interested in joining this cause may contact Tinoco directly through Facebook messenger or email missingpeopleofwyoming@gmail.com

As you celebrate the new year, remember their names: Jocelyn, Jade, Davante and Billie Danell. May the new year bring closure for them and others that are missing or have been murdered.