Understanding the Scope of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples: A Longitudinal Examination of the Understudied Population of Indigenous Males in Arizona

Abstract

National attention has recently shed light on a crisis surrounding Missing and Murdered Indigenous people (MMIP). Indigenous women and girls are murdered and missing significantly more than females of other races. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the current study examines the understudied population of Indigenous males to broaden knowledge of MMIP and provide specific recommendations to address MMIP. Longitudinal homicide data (1978–2018) reveals important patterns regarding victim-offender relationships and surrounding circumstances among 474 Indigenous male homicide victims in Arizona. Missing persons data (2022) reveal that 48 Indigenous males were missing across 3 months. Culturally-appropriate research and policy implication are discussed.