Rachel Sloan and Lakota Renville were Indigenous women whose lives ended in violence, leaving their families searching for justice. Rachel’s burned remains were found in 2015 in Laytonville, California, and her case remains unsolved, overshadowed by systemic neglect that often surrounds cases involving Native women. Adding to her family’s pain, Rachel’s mother was also a homicide victim, marking a chilling pattern of violence.
In 2005, Lakota Renville’s body was discovered in a vacant lot in Independence, Missouri. Despite years of advocacy by her family and attention from Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women groups, her murder remains a cold case. Both families have tirelessly fought to keep their loved ones’ stories alive, holding vigils and pushing for leads.
These cases reflect the broader MMIW crisis, where Native women face disproportionately high rates of violence and systemic barriers to justice. Rachel and Lakota’s stories are calls to action, urging communities and policymakers to prioritize the safety and justice of Indigenous women.
Join Arlene and Leah as they share the stories of these women, the evidence, and where their cases stand today.
Show Notes:
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