Rita Janelle Papakee, a 41-year-old member of the Meskwaki Nation, was last seen on January 16, 2015, leaving the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, Iowa. Papakee, a mother of four, was reported missing by her family more than a month later, on February 18, 2015, when she failed to pick up her paycheck. Despite struggling with substance abuse issues, she had never previously been out of contact with her family for such a long period, raising concerns.
Authorities have speculated that she may have traveled to Cedar Rapids or Des Moines after her disappearance, but this remains unconfirmed. There are also fears that she could have been a victim of sex trafficking. Her disappearance has been classified as suspicious, and the case remains unsolved despite extensive searches conducted by the Meskwaki Tribal Police and the FBI.
The Meskwaki Nation has offered a reward of $50,000 for any information leading to her whereabouts. Her case is part of the broader crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States, and her family and community continue to seek answers.Last Seen: Jan 16, 2015
