The annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Conference will be held Friday at the Best Western Ramkota in Rapid City, with a focus this year on the pursuit of justice and new forensic technologies that are helping investigators develop leads in cold cases.
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said advances in forensic technology have already helped solve some crimes but stressed more progress is needed. He added that the conference is critical for continued collaboration and awareness, noting that missing persons cases are often linked to human trafficking.
Jackley said South Dakota currently has 105 open missing persons cases, including 66 involving Native American or Indigenous individuals. Of those, 45 are children and 21 are adults. He urged the public to share any information that could help bring answers to families.
National MMIP Awareness Day is Tuesday, May 5.
Comments