Federal and tribal authorities have confirmed that human remains discovered in southern Oklahoma earlier this year belong to Molly Miller, a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation who had been missing since 2013, officials announced.
The remains were located on Feb. 18 during an extensive search operation led by the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing and Murdered Unit (MMU) in coordination with the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department. The search spanned more than 1,000 acres in Love County, in a rural area between Oswalt Road, Pike Road and Long Hollow Road.
On March 31, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner positively identified the remains as Miller. Her family was notified of the confirmation on Tuesday morning.
“Today’s confirmation represents a meaningful step toward bringing long-awaited answers in the disappearance of Molly Miller,” said Micah Ware (Kiowa), acting unit chief of the BIA Missing and Murdered Unit. “Our hearts remain with Molly’s family, and we hope this development provides even a small measure of closure and clarity.”
Ware emphasized that the MMU will continue its work addressing the broader Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis, pledging to “pursue every lead” and support affected families. He added that the effort reflects the Department of the Interior’s ongoing commitment to public safety and justice across Indian Country.
Tribal officials echoed that sentiment, highlighting the importance of interagency collaboration in advancing long-standing cases.
“The Chickasaw Lighthorse Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to pursuing answers in all cases involving our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons,” said Randy Wesley, commissioner of tribal law enforcement for the Chickasaw Nation. “Through continued collaboration with our partner agencies, we are grateful to have reached a point where we can help bring a measure of resolution to the families.”
Authorities also confirmed that a second set of remains discovered during the search has been identified as Colt Haynes. Both families have been notified.
Investigators said the area where the remains were found had not previously been searched. The location was identified after new information surfaced and officials were able to gain access to the land.
The large-scale operation involved multiple agencies, including the FBI, Oklahoma Department of Corrections, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, Chickasaw Nation Emergency Management and Texas Search and Rescue.
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Chickasaw Lighthorse Police at (866) 928-7384 or the Bureau of Indian Affairs Missing and Murdered Unit at 1-833-560-2065. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by emailing OJS_MMU@BIA.gov or by texting “BIAMMU” to 847411.