Jody Fern Howard, a 28-year-old Indigenous woman, disappeared from Wolf Point, Montana, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation on October 7, 1991. A mother of four, she was last seen at a gas station in Wolf Point. At the time, Howard lived in Frazer, Montana, and was closely connected to her family, who stated it was highly unusual for her to be out of touch for any extended period.
Her aunt, who had frequent contact with her, reported that the family would see or hear from Howard nearly every other day. Despite this, she was not reported missing until November 10, 1991, more than a month after she vanished. Her disappearance left her young children behind, along with money untouched in a tribal account, heightening concerns that something serious had occurred.
Howard’s case has seen limited progress over the years. Although authorities have received various tips and reports of sightings, including some in nearby states, none have led to any substantial breakthroughs. In 1995, police investigated a rumor suggesting Howard’s body had been dumped in a lagoon near Poplar, Montana. The lagoon was drained, but no evidence was found. Investigators suspect foul play, as there has been no activity in Howard’s bank accounts, and she has not resurfaced despite widespread searches and public appeals for information.
Howard’s case remains unsolved, part of the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States. Indigenous women are disproportionately affected by violence, and Howard's disappearance is one of many similar cases in Montana. Despite over 30 years passing since her disappearance, no solid leads have emerged, and her family continues to search for answers.Last Seen: Oct 7, 1991
