Neil Little Eagle, a 49-year-old man also known as "Mesu," was last seen on July 20, 2017, in the Porcupine area of the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota. His case is one of the most haunting unsolved disappearances on the reservation. Accounts of his last known moments are conflicting, which has complicated the investigation into his whereabouts.
Some reports indicate that he left his cousin's residence on foot, with the intention of walking to Scottsbluff, Nebraska, a journey of over 150 miles. Other accounts suggest he may have gotten into a blue or black vehicle. There was also a report from a concerned citizen who stated they had dropped him off at the Pine Ridge Public Safety building due to worries about his well-being.
Little Eagle's disappearance is particularly alarming due to several significant health issues. He suffers from dementia and seizures and is legally blind, conditions that made him especially vulnerable. Crucially, he did not have the medication he requires for his conditions with him when he went missing. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as being between 5 feet 2 inches and 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing between 130 and 170 pounds. He is a Native American male with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, a white t-shirt, dark gray sweatpants, and gray Nike high-top shoes. An alternative clothing description mentions a red shirt with black and red shorts.
The investigation into Neil Little Eagle's disappearance has been handled by the Pine Ridge Police Department and the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit. Despite their efforts, no significant leads have been developed, leaving his family and community in a state of prolonged uncertainty. His sister has been a vocal advocate, using social media to bring attention to his case in the hopes that someone will come forward with information. His case is emblematic of the larger crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people in the United States, which often receives limited media coverage and resources. As of today, Neil Little Eagle remains missing.Last Seen: Jul 20, 2017
