Michelle Jade Elbow Shield, a 26-year-old Native American woman and enrolled member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, was last seen in Rapid City, South Dakota, on October 6, 2023. Standing just 4'10" and weighing around 100 pounds, she was described with brown hair and eyes, a butterfly tattoo on her left ankle, an infinity symbol featuring the names "Michelle and Cody Red Wing" on her left arm, and a heart bearing devil horns behind her right ear.
At the time, she was reportedly wearing a black, blue, and gray sweater and black jeans.
Despite disappearing in early October, Michelle was not reported missing until about two months later, on December 10, 2023. In the interim, local, tribal, and federal authorities—including the Rapid City Police Department, Pine Ridge Oglala Sioux Tribal Police, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit— collaborated intensively to generate leads. A $5,000 reward was offered by the BIA MMU and Rapid City PD in October 2024 to incentivize anyone with information on Michelle’s whereabouts, potential suspects, or the disposal site to come forward.
On January 15, 2025, human remains were recovered in Jackson County, located within the Pine Ridge Reservation, in the vicinity of Interior, South Dakota. The remains were in a condition that prevented traditional identification, prompting authorities to collaborate with Othram—a forensic laboratory in Texas—to perform advanced forensic-grade genome sequencing. Through this cutting-edge DNA testing and subsequent kinship analysis, a relative was located, and a DNA match confirmed the remains were indeed those of Michelle Elbow Shield.
Despite her remains being identified by February 2025, the cause, manner, and full circumstances leading to her death are still being determined. Rapid City Police Chief Don Hedrick acknowledged that “thousands of hours” were dedicated to the investigation, and credited public tips with yielding the breakthrough that located Michelle’s remains. Authorities continue to encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward as the case remains open and under active investigation.
Michelle’s family and community have expressed deep grief at the loss, with relatives remembering her as gentle and caring—known affectionately as “Shelly” within her circle. While her identification has offered some measure of closure, many unanswered questions remain. Investigators have pledged to explore all leads and maintain close coordination with tribal and federal agencies in pursuit of justice for Michelle Elbow Shield.Last Seen: Oct 6, 2023
