by Seattle, WA – Authorities in Washington State have identified the remains of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, an indigenous woman from the Tulalip Tribes who went missing in November 2020. Her disappearance sparked concern and highlighted the ongoing crisis of missing and endangered Indigenous women across the United States.
Johnson-Davis’s case drew national attention after her husband reported her missing just days before Thanksgiving and subsequently left the state, raising questions about her sudden disappearance. Recent forensic efforts finally confirmed that human remains found in a remote area of North Snohomish County belonged to her.
The Tragic Disappearance and Discovery
The remains were recovered in a remote and rugged area approximately 30 miles from Firetrail Road on the Tulalip Reservation, the last known location where Johnson-Davis was seen. The FBI announced the identification on October 31, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in a case that went unsolved for nearly four years.
- Johnson-Davis was last seen in November 2020.
- The discovery of her remains occurred in June 2024.
- The cause and manner of her death remain under investigation.
- The FBI and Tulalip Tribes are offering up to $60,000 in rewards for information leading to an arrest.
While her husband remains a person of interest in the investigation according to Tulalip Tribal Police Det. David Sallee, he has not been officially named a suspect. The case continues to be actively investigated by the FBI’s Seattle Field Office.
A Lifetime Marked by Trauma and Resilience
Johnson-Davis’s life was fraught with hardship from an early age. She and her sister, Nona Blouin, were placed in foster care with a non-Native family where both endured sexual abuse. This tragic background is representative of a wider pattern impacting Indigenous women across the country.
“We’ve learned through doing research that some of the men in jail would say: ‘You can go rape an Indian woman and you won’t get caught.'” — Deborah Parker, former vice chairwoman of the Tulalip Tribe and executive producer of Missing From Fire Trail Road
This grim reality was explored in the 2024 documentary Missing From Fire Trail Road, which highlights the plight of missing Indigenous women, including Johnson-Davis herself. The documentary sheds light on the systemic violence faced by Indigenous women, emphasizing that:
- More than 50% of Native American women have been victims of sexual violence (U.S. Department of Justice).
- Four out of five Indigenous women experience some form of violence.
- Indigenous women are disproportionately victimized by non-Native men.
As a result of the abuse, both sisters successfully won a $400,000 settlement each from Washington State in a lawsuit filed against child protective services.
Community Response and Ongoing Efforts
The Tulalip Tribes and federal authorities remain committed to seeking justice for Johnson-Davis. They urge anyone with information to contact the FBI’s Seattle Field Office at 206-622-0460 or 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324), or to submit tips online at People.com. A substantial reward of up to $60,000 is available for leads resulting in arrests and convictions.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, support is available by texting “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to connect with a certified crisis counselor.
Moving Forward: Seeking Justice and Awareness
Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis’s tragic story is a reminder of the vulnerability of Indigenous women and the urgent need for systemic change. Awareness campaigns, documentaries, and tribal advocacy are crucial to bringing these cases to light and holding perpetrators accountable.
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