Washington State Takes Historic Action: Suspect Charged in MMIWP Cold Case, Marking Shift in Indigenous Justice Efforts

In an unprecedented move for Washington state, a suspect has been arrested and charged for a case involving a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person (MMIWP), suggesting a tangible shift towards addressing this long-standing issue. The Cold Case Unit of the Attorney General’s office, a newly formed entity aimed at reinvestigating unsolved cases regarding Indigenous victims, has been credited with this significant breakthrough, as per the House Democrats WA.

Last Friday, Tina Alcorn was arraigned for the murder of George David from the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, representing the inaugural case pursued by the Cold Case Unit. Established by legislation backed by Rep. Debra Lekanoff, the unit's success could mark a turning point in how the state deals with MMIWP cases. To the families that have sought resolution, charging Alcorn promises a measure of relief.

Representative Lekanoff, who has served as the sole Native American woman in the Washington State House of Representatives since 2018, was a pivotal figure in the creation of the unit through House Bill 1177 (2023-24). Lekanoff leveraged her unique position to advocate for the unit, ensuring it became a reality. This legislation followed years of campaigning from survivors, Tribal leaders, and advocates for a change in the state's response to MMIWP cases, as reported by House Democrats WA.

Expressing her stance on the matter, Lekanoff stressed the need for actionable justice, saying, “As a mother, a tribal woman, and a public servant, I believe justice begins with action.” She acknowledged the cumulative effort of those who have long challenged the system that has failed to adequately recognize the plight of the Indigenous people. Lekanoff offered her support to the Attorney General’s Office and the family of George David, affirming the state's solidarity with MMIWP families, as noted by the official release.

In a statement provided to House Democrats WA, Lekanoff emphasized that much work is ahead, but remained committed to continuing the push for justice and healing. The representative maintained that justice is within reach, "But only when we act together, listen deeply, and never stop fighting for those still missing.”

Resources and tools have been made available to Indigenous communities through efforts like the Missing Indigenous Persons Alert (MIPA) and an updated MMIWP Toolkit designed to aid families in the reporting process. For information or assistance, the public can contact the Cold Case Unit at 844-770-7900 or via email at [email protected].