Missing Native American Man’s Skull Found in Arizona Preserve, Family Seeks Answers
Authorities in Phoenix, Arizona have identified a skull found at the South Mountain Park and Preserve as that of Jerole Tsinnijinnie, a Native American man who had been missing for over three years. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, and both the police and his family are searching for answers.
Tsinnijinnie’s family was unaware of his whereabouts until last month when DNA testing confirmed that the skull belonged to him. The discovery was made by a hiker in January, leading the police to treat the case as a homicide.
While Tsinnijinnie was known as an enthusiastic hiker, his family wonders if he was killed at the preserve or elsewhere. His sister, Kaylene Tsinnijinnie, expressed her concern that if the police had given his case more attention from the beginning, he might still be alive today. The family undertook an independent search, covering homeless shelters and encampments, in their efforts to find him.
Kaylene Tsinnijinnie stated, We had to do everything on our own. Nobody had this ability to think, to believe us that he was a great person. But he was worth looking for. He was worth finding. He was worth asking questions for.
Phoenix police spokesperson Sgt. Robert Scherer confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but declined to provide specific details about the case.
It was Tsinnijinnie’s sister who contacted the investigators after they released a composite sketch based on the skull, inquiring if the depiction resembled her brother. Initially, authorities believed the victim to be a white or Hispanic male in his 20s, providing a description of his clothing. However, Tsinnijinnie was Diné, the term Navajo tribal members use to refer to themselves.
According to data from the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Maricopa and Navajo counties in Arizona appear to have the highest rates of missing Native Americans. Phillip Francisco, a former Navajo Nation police chief, mentioned that tribal agencies typically work closely with families of missing individuals, while federal agencies have been hesitant to provide information about investigations.
To address the issue, the U.S. government has promised additional resources for investigations and prosecutions, with a special commission concluding a series of field hearings across several states. The commission aims to provide recommendations on improving coordination across jurisdictions regarding the alarming rate of disappearances and killings among Native Americans.
Tsinnijinnie’s sister remembers him fondly, stating that he was a devoted father who loved Batman and online gaming. He went missing shortly before his youngest child was born.
The news of Tsinnijinnie’s discovery underscores the need for increased attention and support when it comes to missing Native Americans. As the investigation into his death continues, the hope is that more answers will be found, bringing closure to his family and shedding light on this prevalent issue.
