Del City, Oklahoma – A family from Del City, Oklahoma, has finally received justice nearly three years after the tragic murder of two of their loved ones. This case sheds light on the alarming issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people (MMIW), which plagues not only Oklahoma but many other parts of the United States.
Oklahoma has one of the highest rates of missing and murdered Indigenous people cases in the country. According to a 2018 report, Oklahoma City was among the top ten cities with the highest number of MMIW cases that were not included in law enforcement records, highlighting the urgent need for action and justice in these communities.
In a significant development, Devonta Williams, the perpetrator in this case, has been given a life sentence without the possibility of parole for each of his murder charges. Despite this long-awaited justice, the family still grapples with the heartbreak of their loss, but remains optimistic about receiving closure.
The family members, wearing red to court in solidarity with the missing and murdered Indigenous women movement, emphasized the need for greater awareness and action against domestic violence affecting Native women, men, and children. Federal data shows that Indigenous women experience some of the highest rates of violence and murder, making it a critical issue that must be addressed at the legislative and societal levels.
In response to these alarming statistics, lawmakers in Oklahoma have been working on legislation such as The Not Invisible Act, which aims to improve coordination between agencies dealing with violence against Native Americans. The case of this Oklahoma family has brought attention to the urgent need for laws and policies to protect Indigenous communities from ongoing violence and ensure that justice is served in cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people.