Found Deceased MT - Selina (Selena) Not Afraid, 16, I-90 rest area between Billings & Hardin, 1 Jan 2020

[Deleted member 158085]

This is kind of a big deal.

Indeed.

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Selena Not Afraid's death still under investigation; autopsy scheduled

The five people who were in the van with Selena when she was last seen have all cooperated with authorities, officials said. All of the people in the vehicle were believed to be intoxicated at the rest stop, Winburn said. County Attorney Jay Harris declined to comment on whether he would pursue charges against the adults.

In a Tuesday press release, Harris said his office would pursue any provable criminal activities surrounding the circumstances of Selena's disappearance. The office issued a subpoena to review the investigation process for the sheriff's office and for federal agencies that assisted.

 

[MimosaMornings]

Selena did not ride to the party with these people? Why did she go back with different people? Way too many questions with no good answers and strange circumstances.
Prayers for her family

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 21, 2020
County attorney demands sheriff turn over evidence in investigation of Hardin teen's death
Big Horn County Attorney Jay Harris is demanding all evidence from the county sheriff's office related to the search and location of Selena Not Afraid to determine whether criminal charges should be filed for her death.

Harris said in a Tuesday news release that his office has not made a ruling on whether her death was "foul play." Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair said her death was not foul play after her body was found Monday a mile away from an I90 rest stop following a three-week search.

Harris also noted in his news release that Not Afraid's death remains a criminal investigation. No promises of immunity or characterizations of evidence by the sheriff's office are binding, he said.

[...]

PRESS RELEASE:

 

[rkendmar]

This is kind of a big deal.

Oh, my.
That was certainly a smackdown of the Sheriff's Dept. by Jay Harris, the Big Horn County Attorney.
A well deserved smackdown, IMO.
I hope a copy of this press release has been sent to PEOPLE Magazine so they can correct their article.

 

[crhedBngr]

JAN 21, 2020
County attorney demands sheriff turn over evidence in investigation of Hardin teen's death
Big Horn County Attorney Jay Harris is demanding all evidence from the county sheriff's office related to the search and location of Selena Not Afraid to determine whether criminal charges should be filed for her death.

Harris said in a Tuesday news release that his office has not made a ruling on whether her death was "foul play." Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair said her death was not foul play after her body was found Monday a mile away from an I90 rest stop following a three-week search.

Harris also noted in his news release that Not Afraid's death remains a criminal investigation. No promises of immunity or characterizations of evidence by the sheriff's office are binding, he said.

[...]

PRESS RELEASE:

Wow.

 

[Seattle1]

This is kind of a big deal.

So essentially -- on Jan 14, 2020, the County Attorney's office advised the Big Horn County Sheriff's office that Selena's search efforts were being investigated as both a missing person search and a criminal investigation pursuant to the Oct 1, 2019 establishment of Big Horn County Missing & Murdered Persons Task Force (intended in part to guarantee best efforts are always made to provide closure to families in need of healing and to restore public faith and confidence in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures involving these tragic matters) ..............

I don't read this as any suspicion of foul play but only they are following the procedures established by the 2019 Task Force to restore public faith and confidence in the investigation.

 

[mickey2942]

So essentially -- on Jan 14, 2020, the County Attorney's office advised the Big Horn County Sheriff's office that Selena's search efforts were being investigated as both a missing person search and a criminal investigation pursuant to the Oct 1, 2019 establishment of Big Horn County Missing & Murdered Persons Task Force (intended in part to guarantee best efforts are always made to provide closure to families in need of healing and to restore public faith and confidence in the investigative and prosecutorial procedures involving these tragic matters) ..............

I don't read this as any suspicion of foul play but only in follow the procedures established by the 2019 Task Force.

But, it really is telling the Sheriff, that this rodeo ain't over. The Sheriff was already calling this as "a tragic incident", "no foul play".

Obviously, the Sheriff got a smack down.

 

[Seattle1]

But, it really is telling the Sheriff, that this rodeo ain't over. The Sheriff was already calling this as "a tragic incident", "no foul play".

Obviously, the Sheriff got a smack down.

I think I take exception to that characterization for a couple of reasons:

First, Sheriff Big Hair is Selena's uncle, and second, the Task Force procedure was only adopted 90+ days ago on Oct 1, 2019.

Personally, I don't think there is evidence of foul play here and Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair just spoke out of turn. I also support the transparent operation and/or the intent of Task Force to put forth the best effort guarantee to the family and community.

 

[Hulklogan406]

So this woman can make it two miles from the rest stop within the 10-15 min it took for the other vehicle to arrive (barefoot) and Selena is found dead less than a mile away? It’s all so weird.

Yes, this was the same "girl."
However, she was a grown woman in her 20s...not a girl.
Selina was 16 and was getting a ride home with 4 or 5 adults in the van.
The 20-something woman who was also 'accidentally' left behind, was found in a ditch ~2 miles away from the rest stop.
It is unfortunate that this woman did not share the information (that she saw Salina cross a fence and walk toward the trees) during the 19+ days of searching for Selina.
It was reported that she "couldn't remember" what had happened and that Selina had walked into a field.

 

[mickey2942]

I think I take exception to that characterization for a couple of reasons:

First, Sheriff Big Hair is Selena's uncle, and second, the Task Force procedure was only adopted 90+ days ago on Oct 1, 2019.

Personally, I don't think there is evidence of foul play here and Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair just spoke out of turn. I also support the transparent operation and/or the intent of Task Force to put forth the best effort guarantee to the family and community.

"No evidence of foul play"?! Since when is it okay to leave a child alone, in the middle of nowhere, in January, in Montana?

Geez, no wonder there are so many missing Native American women. If this is an example of what happens...just another day, leave a young girl out in the prairie.

This is outrageous, if this type of behavior is going to get a "pass" as being "acceptable".

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

I have put a lot of work into the Case Archive today and yesterday. I hope some of you will check it out.
It's what I do. I don't make money from it.
Mainly it's for people like me, who need a visual and hate to
wade through ads, and go through so many sites to find anything about a case.

Plus it is there years later when the case goes to trial (in some cases). I've done over 150 cases so far.
Idk the exact # but some cases have multiple subject specific sections.

 

[crhedBngr]

I have put a lot of work into the Case Archive today and yesterday. I hope some of you will check it out.
It's what I do. I don't make money from it.
Mainly it's for people like me, who need a visual and hate to
wade through ads, and go through so many sites to find anything about a case.

Plus it is there years later when the case goes to trial (in some cases). I've done over 150 cases so far.
Idk the exact # but some cases have multiple subject specific sections.

Your hard work is much appreciated.

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 21, 2020
No foul play in Selena Not Afraid's death
[...]

The release goes on to say that "No characterizations of evidence or promises of immunity by the Big Horn County Sheriff's Office are binding upon the State of Montana in a criminal prosecution."

Harris also states - that the Big Horn County Sheriff has been advised not to make further public comment regarding this matter. An autopsy is slated for tomorrow.

A candlelight vigil at the Payne Family Native American Center on the University of Montana campus is scheduled for Wednesday as well beginning at 5 p.m.

[...]

Your hard work is much appreciated.

I second that! Thank you, @AmandaReckonwith . ​

 

[Vail]

Forgive me if this was discussed earlier but is this link significant in light of this recent development?

Outcry over missing/murdered Native American women in Montana county as Selena Not Afraid body found | Daily Mail Online

‘Selena's aunt posted a tribute on Facebook.

'We brought our baby girl home,' Horn said. 'Now she can Rest In Peace. Jackie and I want to thank everyone for helping us bring our girl home.'

She added that she will continue to seek justice for MMIW.

'I'm not done my girl!! I will continue the fight!!' Horn posted as followers commented supporting her fight for justice.’

Also in the article is a snapshot of the Snapchat video posted by the aunt where the boy is grabbing Selena’s hat and yelling at her. I attached it below.

Look at the attachment in the above post.

Then read this statement.

Crow Tribe of Indians
Statement from Chairman Alvin Not Afraid Jr.

It is with great sorrow, that I address you all this evening.
Authorities have confirmed that they have found my niece, Selena Not Afraid earlier today, deceased, less than a mile from where she was last seen.
Please keep Selena’s family and friends in Prayer

My office as well as Secretary Old Crow and staff, have been in contact with her Mother, and Law Enforcement agencies since January 1st, just after she was reported missing to authorities. A Cooperative supportive effort from the Crow Tribe, Northern Cheyenne Tribal members, Private citizens, Federal, State, County and local law enforcement agencies, entities and organizations, acted in a unified effort to help locate Selena.

Assistance and support to our loved ones during this time will be of my Administrations utmost priority in the coming days. The Not Afraid Administration is currently reaching out to family and community support and grief professionals to help with the losses our Nation has suffered. We expect these professionals to assist Selena’s classmates at the Hardin 17H&1 school district, as well as various area schools Selena had previously attended. Please empower each other to share and help our selves heal.

Please let us all learn from such a senseless and tragic loss. No one knows when tragedy will strike. All we can do is keep Hope, that those who are able to help, will. If that is what we must rely on, than we must learn to further take care of each other, as well as ourselves. Loss of a loved one in such a tragic way has no prejudice. Why should we hold any prejudice against each other, when this is a reality we all may face.

The Crow Tribe of Indians would like to Thank Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Pete Big Hair, as well as the Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office, for all of their tireless efforts throughout the search to bring Selena home.
Assistant Secretary of Interior Tara Sweeney, BIA- OJS Director Charles Addington, USDOJ-MMIP Coordinator Ernie Weyand, and BIA Law Enforcement Agents for working with our Nation to help provide search effort resources and valuable personnel, and search equipment.

Please do not hesitate to report missing or possibly abducted persons to proper authorities.
###

 

[katydid23]

Forgive me if this was discussed earlier but is this link significant in light of this recent development?



Look at the attachment in the above post.

Then read this statement.

Yes, I think those two links are important. There are two sides to the victims family. Her Aunt posted:

"I'm not done my girl!! I will continue the fight!!' Horn posted as followers commented supporting her fight for justice.’

Also in the article is a snapshot of the Snapchat video posted by the aunt where the boy is grabbing Selena’s hat and yelling at her."



And that seems inconsistent with what her Uncle has stated, when he said no foul play was suspected:
Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair said her death was not foul play after her body was found Monday a mile away from an I90 rest stop following a three-week search.

Crow Tribe of Indians
Statement from Chairman Alvin Not Afraid Jr.

It is with great sorrow, that I address you all this evening.
Authorities have confirmed that they have found my niece, Selena Not Afraid earlier today, deceased, less than a mile from where she was last seen.
Please keep Selena’s family and friends in Prayer...



From reading a lot of statements from both sides, I have learned that Horn, her Auntie feels like her niece needs to find some Justice. And it is rumoured that there were adult family members of the victims at the party AND in the car she was riding in, but they were from the Sheriff's side of the family, Not Aunt Horn's side of the family....

 

[oviedo]

Yes, I think those two links are important. There are two sides to the victims family. Her Aunt posted:

"I'm not done my girl!! I will continue the fight!!' Horn posted as followers commented supporting her fight for justice.’

Also in the article is a snapshot of the Snapchat video posted by the aunt where the boy is grabbing Selena’s hat and yelling at her."



And that seems inconsistent with what her Uncle has stated, when he said no foul play was suspected:
Big Horn County Sheriff Lawrence Big Hair said her death was not foul play after her body was found Monday a mile away from an I90 rest stop following a three-week search.

Crow Tribe of Indians
Statement from Chairman Alvin Not Afraid Jr.

It is with great sorrow, that I address you all this evening.
Authorities have confirmed that they have found my niece, Selena Not Afraid earlier today, deceased, less than a mile from where she was last seen.
Please keep Selena’s family and friends in Prayer...



From reading a lot of statements from both sides, I have learned that Horn, her Auntie feels like her niece needs to find some Justice. And it is rumoured that there were adult family members of the victims at the party AND in the car she was riding in, but they were from the Sheriff's side of the family, Not Aunt Horn's side of the family....

Something is up imo

 

[imstilla.grandma]

In a press release issued Monday, the sheriff's office said foul play was not suspected. On Tuesday Undersheriff Eric Winburn said that foul play wasn't suspected, but wasn't "ruled out," either.

"There's no evidence that anybody dropped her off. No foot or boot prints around her," he said. " ... We don't rule anything out until the autopsy has been released."

An autopsy is scheduled on Wednesday at the state crime lab in Billings. The location where searchers found the body was processed as a criminal investigation, Winburn noted.

Selena's cellphone was found on her, Winburn said. The battery was dead. She didn't have a wallet or purse on her when she was found, he said.
Selena Not Afraid's death still under investigation; autopsy scheduled

 

[stattlich1]

OMG, if this is true, it just gets worse...! MOO

From the Heavy article:

The official story is that Selena ran off into a field near the Interstate rest stop and disappeared after being left there with another young Native American woman the family says was found with scratched legs from running through bushes and without shoes, hiding in a ditch.

Cheryl Horn, a “blood sister” of Selena’s mother who watched Selena grow up and is actively involved in the search for the teenager, told Heavy in a lengthy interview: “We believe she was taken. She did not get out and run.”

She said the family was told that a “man in a green car” may have tried to get the two girls to go with him, and they ran. She questioned why authorities have not issued an Amber Alert for Selena. “We’re having to be our own investigators,” she told Heavy.

Also...

She said the family has done its own investigating because they don’t believe authorities are doing enough. Of the van ride from the home in Billings to the desolate rest stop, they were told that “my niece didn’t go willingly,” she said.

And...

According to Horn, Selena was “very drunk and she was trying to get in another car” when she was allegedly “forced into that white van” that then journeyed to the rest stop. She said the family is surprised Selena was intoxicated because they believed she didn’t drink.

MOO, something smells bad about this entire affair.

Early posts on this thread indicate searchers on horseback, ATV, foot, helicopter, drone and dogs.

So they failed to find her less than a mile from that rest stop, but voila, now they do?

Search For 16-Year-Old Selena Not Afraid Extends Into Wyoming, South Dakota

IF, this young lady did indeed run in to a field from that rest stop, a trained dog/team would surely have been able to track her scent for less than a mile.

Early on they suspect foul play, but hey, now they don't.

C'mon, I was born at night.....but not last night

MOO

 

[Seattle1]

I have put a lot of work into the Case Archive today and yesterday. I hope some of you will check it out.
It's what I do. I don't make money from it.
Mainly it's for people like me, who need a visual and hate to
wade through ads, and go through so many sites to find anything about a case.

Plus it is there years later when the case goes to trial (in some cases). I've done over 150 cases so far.
Idk the exact # but some cases have multiple subject specific sections.

Thanks for all your work on WS @AmandaReckonwith! Do you have a link for this specific case or is there only one archive? Thanks again.