American Indian Movement holds prayer circle for Anna Marie Scott, seeks accountability in her murder
On Wednesday evening, the American Indian Movement (AIM) of Northern Nevada held a prayer circle at the Washoe County Detention Center in Reno to remember Anna Marie Scott, and ask for accountability in her murder.
Scott, who was 23-years-old, was found in the trunk of a burning car in the early hours of Feb. 3 on I-580 between Reno and Carson City.
It was later determined that Scott had died of a gunshot wound, and her death is being investigated as a homicide.
Scott was a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.
"Anna Scott was a mother, a daughter, a cousin, a friend, a member of the Pyramid Lake Tribal Community," said the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe in a Facebook post honoring Scott’s life.
Members of AIM gathered Wednesday to offer a prayer for Scott, give members of the family a chance to speak and be heard, and to ask for accountability from investigators.
“In the end, justice is in the hands of the creator,” said Ray Bacasegua Valdez, Director of AIM Northern Nevada. “What we’re asking for is accountability.”
Indigenous women and girls are murdered at 10 times higher than all other ethnicities, according to statistics, and more than 4 out of 5 indigenous women have experienced violence in their lives.
The circle was held not only to ask for accountability in Scott’s murder, but to bring awareness to these facts for all missing and murdered indigenous women.
In 2019, Executive Order “Operation Lady Justice” created a task force for missing and murdered AI/AN peoples that will address the concerns of indigenous communities in the U.S., including data collection, policies, establishing cold-case teams, and improving investigative responses.
Some, however, such as members of AIM, have asked why it has taken until now to integrate these policy changes, when statistics have shown indigenous women have been murdered at higher rates for decades.
"We're trying to create awareness, to show that there is accountability," said Bacasegua Valdez. "Perpetrators prey on our women because they know (there's often a lack of accountability). We want those who were responsible to be brought forward."
Despite the cold temperatures and pouring rain, members of AIM as well as community members gathered on the lawn at the Detention Center and formed a circle, offering medicine in the form of traditional songs, water and tobacco, and some members of Scott’s family spoke about their loss.
“This has been a hard time for us all,” said Scott’s father. “Thank you to everyone for being here.”
Scott was found inside the trunk of the burning vehicle on the morning of Feb. 3. While social media posts identified her shortly after, it wasn’t until Feb. 7 that Scott was identified by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, March 7, the Washoe County Regional Medical Examiner announced that Scott had died of a gunshot wound.
If anyone has information regarding this case that could help detectives determine Scott’s movements and contacts throughout the hours and days preceding February 3, 2022, can call the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at (775) 328-3320. Case number: WC22-563.
Secret Witness is offering a $2,500 award for any information that can help find her killer.