Forensic Psychology Student Sheds Light on Native American Cold Case Crisis

At Embry-Riddle, opportunities for research and discovery are plentiful, allowing students to explore topics that have a real-world impact.

Narayt Salcido (’24), who is pursuing a B.S. in Forensic Psychology on Embry-Riddle's Prescott, Arizona, campus, recently attended the National Conference on Undergraduate Research (NCUR) to present her research on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.

Research at Embry-Riddle

The MMIP cold case crisis, as defined by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, encompasses decades marked by high rates of assault, abduction and murder of tribal members, with many of these cases remaining unsolved.

“The Native American population in the United States has been historically mistreated, underrepresented and overlooked,” Salcido said. “One way in which that population has been overlooked has been in our very own criminal justice system.”

Salcido lists multiple factors contributing to the crisis, such as jurisdictional issues, database discrepancies, a high victimization rate, previous government shortcomings and past historical trauma. Her research aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of these factors and then develop culturally sensitive recommendations on ways to actively combat the crisis.

More specifically, Salcido’s research studied database discrepancies that impact cases of MMIP. She identified and compared both official and unofficial databases to determine the number of cases and how they differ between various governmental agencies.

“The available listed cases on each database were noted and compared to other cases on other databases. First, listed cases were compared between each government database. Then, listed cases were compared between each unofficial database. Finally, cases were compared between government databases and unofficial databases,” Salcido shared.

Taking unofficial databases into consideration is crucial due to the nature in which these crimes are, or are not, reported. Historically, cases of missing and murdered indigenous people are less likely to be reported to the police – leading to many cases existing only among “unofficial” platforms, such as websites, Facebook accounts and portals.

Research Findings & Next Steps

By completing some of the first in-depth and focused research on this subject, Salcido hopes to shine a light on how these counterproductive database discrepancies impact the MMIP crisis.

“It was found through this research that there were over 5,000 discrepancies, meaning that over 5,000 cases were only reported to one government agency; there was no overlap. This provides evidence of the extent of this crisis and that action needs to be taken.”

These discrepancies among data regarding missing and murdered people align with previous reports of MMIP case inaccuracies. Like the findings from Salcido’s research, one 2016 study reported case numbers varying by the thousands, with large disparities between the Department of Justice’s federal missing persons database and cases logged by the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs).

Salcido’s work doesn’t end with determining and analyzing data discrepancies.

“The next step of this research is to conduct a culturally sensitive and psychologically sound needs assessment with local Arizona tribes. We hope to establish a relationship of trust with tribes that will allow us to gain their insight and perspective to determine the next steps toward addressing the crisis.”

At the NCUR in early April, Salcido joined other student researchers to share her findings and, in turn, raise awareness for the MMIP crisis amongst attendees. She was able to attend thanks to earning an Ignite Grant through Embry-Riddle's Undergraduate Research Institute.

“The conference was a wonderful experience,” she said. “I was able to talk to other students about my work and their work. I formed connections from across the country and was able to speak with many [representatives from] graduate programs.”

Salcido’s Background

Salcido has always been fascinated by both the human mind and the criminal justice system. Now, she’s nearly completed her degree in Forensic Psychology and says she couldn’t imagine herself doing anything else.

“To find a way to pursue both my passions while going toward a career of helping people is more than I could have ever asked for,” she said.

Salcido’s main piece of advice to future students is to know it’s okay if plans change over time. Many students discover new and unexpected passions throughout their education and shift to pursue them.

“Learn what works best for you. No two people are the same; don’t compare yourself to others. Focus on yourself and how you can be successful.”

Do you want to get involved in research at Embry-Riddle? Apply today to take the first step.