BEMIDJI — Nearly two years after a 15-year-old Bemidji girl disappeared, a massive search with numerous agencies is underway for fresh clues.
Nevaeh Kingbird was last seen in the south side of Bemidji in October 2021. Her mother Teddi Wind said she is holding onto hope for finding answers.
“I just take it day by day,” Wind said during a news conference Monday, Sept. 25. “It doesn’t get easier. I try my best to just move on with life and keep her in my prayers. I talk about her all the time, looking for her and trying to find answers.”
"The collaboration amongst all the agencies present today is a testament to our steadfast commitment to find these children."Mike Mastin, Bemidji Police chief
Bemidji Police Chief Mike Mastin, who is leading the investigation, said this was the 13th search for Nevaeh. The collaboration on this most recent effort between the numerous local, state and federal agencies gives him hope in giving families closure, he said.
“Today’s search is a continuation of hope,” Mastin said. “To find the answers in these cases. The collaboration amongst all the agencies present today is a testament to our steadfast commitment to find these children.”
Investigators are also seeking information on 17-year-old Jeremy Jourdain, who disappeared from Bemidji's Nymore area in 2016, and 29-year-old Damon Boyd, who went missing from East Grand Forks and was believed to be heading to Bemidji in 2014.
“We’re optimistic that today’s search will find clues and answers in these cases,” Mastin said. “My goal is to bring closure for the families and our detectives who have worked these cases for so long, putting an end to the agony of not knowing and to bring comfort, closure and healing.”
The 150-acre search will continue Tuesday and includes about 60-70 civilian searchers as well as between 30 and 40 law enforcement officers.
First-time civilian searcher Mattias Evangelista, from Los Angeles, California, came to the area to help the search, after learning about it on social media.
“It’s really inspiring to be out here with everybody,” Evangelista said. “I know this has been ongoing for the last couple of years, but to feel the resiliency and the energy of not giving up, is so inspiring.”
This is also a first for the state’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Task Force. Formed in 2020, this state office with the Department of Public Safety is working with Indigenous communities, family members, law enforcement and private partners to conduct the search.
"This is the first time that many of us have sat around with the common goal of bringing justice and comfort to the Indigenous community, dealing with an insurmountable loss,” said Juliet Rudie, director of the task force.
The task force, according to Rudie, was created to address the systemic challenges of violence against Indigenous people.
The U.S. Department of Justice found Indigenous women are 2.5 times more likely to experience rape or sexual assault than any other race of women in the country. A 2016 study found Indigenous women are killed at 10 times the national average.
"This collaboration of partners will develop systemic changes that will foster safety, equity, healing, civil and human rights of Indigenous peoples and communities in Minnesota,” Rudie continued. “Combined with our common goal, we hope to provide answers for today's family. This collaboration, cooperation and partnership work is more meaningful than ever before.”
