Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit Conducts Large-Scale Search in Oklahoma: Remains found

The Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit and the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department, working alongside federal and state partners, conducted a large-scale search operation this week in southern Oklahoma as part of the ongoing investigation into the 2013 disappearance of Molly Miller and Colt Haynes. 

The search began Feb. 17 and covered more than 1,000 acres in Love County, Oklahoma. On Feb. 18, search teams operating in an area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road discovered two sets of human remains. The remains were collected by the FBI Evidence Response Team and the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for forensic examination and identification. 

The identities of the remains are unknown, and it has not been determined whether they are connected to the disappearance of Miller, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, and Haynes. Officials said identifying the remains and determining the cause and manner of death will require a thorough forensic process. 

The search area had not been previously examined. Investigators said earlier search locations were based on information and evidence available at the time. As new details emerged and landowner cooperation was obtained, search parameters were expanded, leading to operations in the newly identified area. 

The operation involved multiple other agencies, including Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management, the FBI, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and Texas Search and Rescue. 

Family members have been notified, officials said, adding that the investigation remains active. Authorities said they will continue to pursue investigative leads and coordinate with partner agencies as the case moves forward. 

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the BIA-MMU anonymously at 1-833-560-2065, emailing OJS_MMU@BIA.gov or text BIAMMU to 847411. 
 

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