Alaska expands cold case list amid MMIP calls for transparency

Alaska State Troopers have expanded the 2019 cold case list from 69 to 116 unsolved homicides following pressure from Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) advocates and others who challenged the removal of certain cases, according to Alaska’s News Source. The increase represents a 68% jump.

Charlene Apok, director of Data for Indigenous Justice, said updates have included adding victims’ names and case numbers but that location data still needs improvement. Austin McDaniel, communications director for the Department of Public Safety, said names were restored after feedback and that his office is exploring ways to include more case details while preserving investigative focus.