Family of Navajo Woman Sees Justice Served in MMIW Case, Bringing Healing to Grief

In a powerful moment for justice, the family of Jamie Lynette Yazzie, a Navajo woman, witnessed the sentencing of Tre C. James, the man convicted of her murder, to life in prison. This verdict was reached after five agonizing years of searching for answers.

Outside the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse in Phoenix on September 23, Yazzie’s mother, Ethelene Denny, expressed her gratitude. “I’m glad we got justice,” she said, emphasizing the weight of the verdict for her family.

U.S. District Judge Douglas F. Rayes delivered the sentencing, which included an additional ten years for James due to the violent use of a firearm. His actions resulted in a life-altering blow not only for Yazzie’s family but also for the broader Native American community.

FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge, Jose A. Perez, remarked on the significance of the sentencing, stating, “Today’s sentence underscores that Jamie Yazzie was not forgotten.” He reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to addressing violence against Native American communities.

James, 31, faced additional sentencing for domestic violence against three other Navajo women. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer E. LaGrange highlighted the traumatic impact on Yazzie’s family, noting that Jamie was unable to testify due to her death.

Judge Rayes directed his comments at James, condemning his predatory behavior. “You preyed on victims who loved and trusted you,” he said. The judge emphasized the extensive damage inflicted not merely on individual lives but also on the community.

Yazzie, 31 at the time of her disappearance on June 30, 2019, was described as a devoted mother of three and a compassionate nursing assistant. For 876 days, her family sought justice, engaging in advocacy through community walks and awareness campaigns.

Closure came on November 23, 2021, when Yazzie’s remains were discovered less than ten miles from where she went missing. During the trial, it was revealed that James had shot and killed her before hiding her body on the Hopi reservation.

An extensive investigation included multiple law enforcement agencies, culminating in James’ arrest in 2022. Following his conviction in September 2023, the court proceedings shed light on the profound suffering experienced by Yazzie’s loved ones.

Support for the family was evident in the courthouse, where advocates for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) adorned in red stood in solidarity. They participated in songs and prayers, highlighting the communal spirit in the fight for justice.

Yazzie’s family filled the gallery, amidst tears and emotional testimonies. Denny shared the ongoing pain her grandchildren endure, revealing that they struggle to visit locations associated with their mother, a poignant reminder of their loss.

The sentiments of devastation were echoed by other family members, including Yazzie’s father, who passed before witnessing the sentencing understand justice for his daughter. A recorded statement he provided before his death voiced his hopes for accountability, stating, “I hope that you get the top punishment you deserve.”

Kathy Yazzie, Jamies’s sister, narrated the effects of Jamie’s disappearance on their family, highlighting the emotional toll of uncertainty. “This person not only took Jamie, but he took my brother,” she said, depicting the broader familial despair.

Reflecting on their relentless pursuit of justice, the family, alongside advocates, aim to raise awareness about the challenges faced by families of missing Indigenous people. “Don’t give up,” urged a family member, encouraging others to seek help and support.

Darlene Gomez, an attorney associated with MMIW cases, emphasized the pressing need for accountability from law enforcement. “For all those other families out there, there can be justice for you,” she affirmed, striving for hope amidst adversity.

Presence from notable advocates, including Jim Schmidt and Tara Petito, highlighted the need for continued awareness regarding violence against women. Petito, reflecting on the disparities in media attention for missing persons, called for equitable treatment when families seek help.

As the courtroom echoed with calls for justice, the Yazzie family’s journey serves as a testament to resilience and the unwavering quest for accountability, not just for Jamie but for all victims and their families.