In just 17 days, North Dakota has seen nearly a dozen children and teenagers go missing, an unusually high number for the state within such a short time. According to the Attorney General’s Office, 12 young people have been reported missing since late July, with nine still unaccounted for by mid-August.
While missing youth cases occur nationwide, experts say it’s rare for so many to happen together in a smaller state like North Dakota. Authorities have found no links between the disappearances but acknowledge the rise is worrying.
Among those missing are Dashira Chapple, last seen in Fargo on July 29, Camila Juarez Perez from Williston, and Maddison Finch in Grand Forks County. Others include Angel Peltier from Fargo and several teenagers last seen in Ward County.
Steven Harstad, chief agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, said the surge is alarming though the cases seem unrelated. He pointed out that some runaways go unreported since families often expect them to return within short periods.
Harstad warned that even repeat runaway incidents can turn dangerous: “The 21st time might be the one where they get into a bad situation.”
So far this year, 30 people have been reported missing in North Dakota, with 18 minors among them. Alarmingly, over half of the missing youth are Indigenous, affecting tribal communities disproportionately.
Prairie Rose Seminole, an advocate for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons, emphasized the community impact: “These are loved ones and community members whose absence is deeply felt. Runaway labels do not guarantee safety.”
Her words highlight the urgent need for awareness and action to protect vulnerable youth and support affected families.
