Do you know who murdered Shawna Evon? On June 8, 1991, the body of Shawna Evon, a 12-year-old Indigenous Alaskan Native female from Anchorage, Alaska, was discovered behind a building located at 529 C Street. The structure, formerly known as the Monkey Wharf bar, had long been abandoned. Her body was found in an entryway on the north side of the building, partially concealed beneath a wooden pallet, trash, and a street sign. The scene suggested an attempt to hide her remains.
A medical examiner later determined that Shawna Evon died from blunt force trauma to the head.
Shawna Evon, affectionately nicknamed “Twinkie” by her friends for her love of the snack, had been reported missing by her mother on April 22, 1991. Originally from a village on Nunivak Island, Shawna had moved to Anchorage with her family to continue her education. She was known to be kind and well-liked among her peers. Her disappearance and subsequent death shocked the community and left her family and friends devastated.
Despite initial efforts by law enforcement, the investigation into the murder of 12-year-old Indigenous female Shawna Evon stalled. By June 1992, the case had gone dormant. In 2002, authorities hoped that advancements in DNA technology might provide new leads, but no breakthroughs were reported. To date, no arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified in connection with her death. Her murder remains unsolved.
Shawna Evon's memory continues to be honored in Alaska. Her portrait is featured in a memorial dedicated to homicide victims, created by local artist Amber Webb. The artwork includes an oversized qaspeq adorned with the faces and names of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Shawna's bright smile is prominently displayed at the center, symbolizing both remembrance and the ongoing call for justice.
