Justice for Marie

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Federal Bureau of Investigations

151 Patton Avenue, Suite # 211

Asheville, NC 28801

To the Federal Bureau of Investigation,

My name is [INSERT NAME]. I am a resident of [INSERT CITY/STATE] and I am writing today

to demand justice for Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. On December 31 st , 2013 the remains found

inside of a vehicle found burning in the Big Cove Community of the Cherokee Boundary were

identified as Marie Walkingstick Pheasant. The Cherokee Indian Police Department (CIPD)

initiated the investigation into Marie’s death identifying that foul play was a factor. Shortly after

Marie’s body was found the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) became involved in the case.

Despite the fact that the Supreme Court and Congress have tangled a web of confusion regarding

jurisdiction in Indian Country, it does not justify the lack of concern for a native woman’s murder.

Marie’s loved ones provided relevant background information to the FBI about her personal

relationships and are adamant that someone in their own community may be responsible for her

death. However, her case remains unsolved. Marie’s murder was a violent act and the person

responsible for committing this heinous crime deserves to face justice.

Marie is more than just a headline that reads “body found in burning vehicle” and more than just the

obituary that reads of her loved ones who she left behind. She was a loving mother, a sister and

daughter, a cousin to many, someone with a great native sense of humor and someone who loved

wholeheartedly. Marie was and is our EBCI sister and she deserves justice.

When a tribal citizen living on a reservation is murdered, the FBI has a duty and responsibility to

properly investigate. Now, 10 years after Marie was murdered her case lies idly in the hands of the

FBI. I respectfully demand that you take her murder seriously and investigate Marie’s case with the

proper resources and attention it deserves.

Respectfully,

[INSERT SIGNATURE]