Indigenous Woman Vanished 5 Years Ago After $400,000 Abuse Settlement — and Her Remains Were Just Found

Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis’s Body Found 5 Years After She Vanished

Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a member of the Tulalip Tribes in Washington, disappeared in November 2020 and was reported missing just days before Thanksgiving when her husband made a distressing call to her family. Her case gained attention and was featured in the November 2024 documentary ‘Missing From Fire Trail Road’, shedding light on the crisis of missing and endangered Indigenous women. Johnson-Davis, aged 39, had experienced a tumultuous life marked by trauma and abuse. She had won a settlement of $400,000 from Washington State for psychological damage caused by sexual abuse she endured while under the care of a non-Native foster family.

Authorities in Washington State announced that they have made a significant discovery in the case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis. The FBI Seattle revealed that human remains found in a remote area in June have been positively identified as belonging to Johnson-Davis. The remains were located in a secluded area of North Snohomish County, approximately 30 miles from the last place she was seen on the Tulalip Reservation in November 2020. Despite the findings, Johnson-Davis’s husband has not been labelled as a suspect, although he was identified as a person of interest in her disappearance back in 2021 by Tulalip Tribal Police Detective David Sallee.

In the documentary ‘Missing From Fire Trail Road’, Johnson-Davis’s sister, Nona Blouin, shared insights into the challenging upbringing they faced while in foster care with a non-Native family. The sisters endured sexual abuse, a harrowing experience not uncommon among Native American women. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, over 50% of Native American women are victims of sexual violence, with Indigenous women being disproportionately affected by various forms of violence. The prevalence of violence against Indigenous women, perpetrated predominantly by non-Native individuals, underscores the urgent need for advocacy and protection within these communities.

The journey of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis encapsulates the struggles and injustices faced by many Indigenous women in the United States. Her pursuit of justice through legal means, culminating in a substantial settlement, serves as a bittersweet reminder of the challenges Indigenous communities confront. The circumstances surrounding Johnson-Davis’s disappearance and tragic demise remain shrouded in mystery, with law enforcement agencies continuing their efforts to ascertain the cause and manner of her death. The Tulalip Tribes and the FBI have jointly offered a reward of up to $60,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible for Johnson-Davis’s disappearance.

As the investigation unfolds and additional details emerge, the case of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis stands as a poignant symbol of the ongoing plight faced by Indigenous women across the country. It prompts reflection on the systemic failures and disparities that contribute to their vulnerability and underscores the critical need for support, advocacy, and accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of Indigenous communities. The legacy of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and strength exhibited by Indigenous women in the face of adversity and the enduring quest for justice and recognition.