Retired Army Veteran Cecelia Barber Finona

MMIWR News:

SANTA FE — The chair of the New Mexico Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives (MMIWR) Task Force has shared the following statement regarding the recent news of Cecelia Barber Finona. 

(The remains of the retired Army Veteran Navajo woman missing for two years were identified and her boyfriend charged with first-degree murder).

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family of Cecelia Barber Finona. The discovery of Finona’s body last week brings hope for justice; but also heartbreak to many as this tragic and unnecessary loss of life is now grieved by a family, a community and a state.

The MMIWR Task Force will begin meeting soon to develop a state response plan to missing persons cases and homicides that involve Indigenous relatives across the state. The task force will bring together law enforcement representing state, federal, and tribal agencies and survivors and relatives of missing persons to develop state recommendations aimed at improving investigations, collaboration, communication, and reporting.

“The memory of Cecelia ‘CeCe’ Finona will not be forgotten; her legacy of care, service, and honor will live on,” said Secretary Lynn Trujillo, chair of the MMIWR Task Force.