Remains of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis Found After Five Years
In a story blending heartbreak with closure, the remains of Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis, a 39-year-old Tulalip Tribes member, were recently identified nearly five years after she went missing from her Washington home. Her disappearance in November 2020 raised concerns in her community and shed light on the broader crisis of violence against Indigenous women across the U.S. Here are the details of her life, her disappearance, and the systemic issues behind such tragedies.
Who Was Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis?
Mary was a member of Washington's Tulalip Tribes with deep roots and traditions. She and her sister, Nona Blouin, were placed in foster care as children, where both suffered sexual abuse at the hands of their non-Native foster family. This led to a lawsuit against Washington State and child protective services, reportedly resulting in each sister receiving a $400,000 settlement for psychological damage.
Her story highlights how Indigenous women face high vulnerability — more than half experience sexual violence, and four out of five encounter some violence in their lives, as reported by PEOPLE. They are also more likely to be victimized by non-Native men, underscoring systemic neglect.
What Happened: Disappearance and Discovery
Mary was last seen on November 25, 2020, walking along Firetrail Road on the Tulalip Reservation, headed to a friend's house. Her husband notified her family she was missing and later became a person of interest; authorities have not charged him, but her sister Nona Blouin claimed he stole Mary's money and moved to California, as reported by PEOPLE.
Years later, in 2025, human remains were found in a remote area of North Snohomish County, about 30 miles from her last sighting. DNA confirmed the remains were Mary's. The identification was announced October 31, 2025, bringing a tragic end to a long search. The case remains active; the cause and manner of death are still pending further investigation.
Shawn V. Ledford, Chief of the Tulalip Police Department, said in a statement, "With deep respect for the family and Tulalip community, the Tulalip Police Department is heartbroken to confirm that human remains have been positively identified as Mary Johnson-Davis, a member of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington ... This case remains an active and ongoing investigation, and the Tulalip Police Department will continue to work in partnership with the family and the FBI ... We extend our prayers, strength, and healing to Mary's family, loved ones, and the entire Tulalip community during this difficult time," as reported by Fox News.
Where: The Remote Location
Her remains were found in rugged North Snohomish County, about 30 miles from the Tulalip Reservation's Firetrail Road. The remote terrain caused a delay in discovery, emphasizing the challenge of searching vast, difficult landscapes for missing persons. Indigenous women often disappear in rural areas where limited resources hamper search efforts, and this case underscores those systemic barriers.
The Tulalip community, with the FBI's help, is reportedly offering up to $60,000 for information leading to her killer, showing commitment to justice despite the time passed.
When: A 5-Year Search
The search for Mary lasted nearly five years — highlighting the delays often faced in indigenous cases, especially in remote regions. The FBI's Seattle office remains dedicated to pursuing justice, acknowledging the pain of families left waiting.
Her story gained further attention via the 2024 documentary "Missing From Fire Trail Road," which spotlighted the crisis of missing Indigenous women and helped raise awareness and compassion for her case.
Why: The Systemic Vulnerability
Mary's story isn't isolated. It reflects a pattern of violence, neglect, and systemic failures that threaten Indigenous women nationwide. The failures in her case, and that of many others, continue to leave Indigenous women vulnerable. Her husband, a person of interest, has not been charged, showing the challenges in prosecuting these cases.
Awareness of these issues calls for reform and continued vigilance. Families and communities deserve support to prevent such tragedies.
Moving Forward
Though the search for Mary is over, the push for justice and systemic change continues. The Tulalip Tribes, law enforcement, and advocates are committed to uncovering the truth and preventing future tragedies. A reward for information remains, but long-term emotional healing will take time.
Her story highlights the urgent need to address the crisis of missing Indigenous women. Supporting advocacy efforts and demanding justice ensures her memory is honored and others are protected.
If you or someone you know has information about her case or any missing Indigenous person, contact the FBI's Seattle office at 206-622-0460 or 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can be sent online through tips.fbi.gov.
Your attention and action can bring light to stories like hers and ensure no one is forgotten.
References: Mary Ellen Johnson-Davis's Body Found 5 Years After She Vanished | Remains found in Snohomish Co. ID'd as missing Tulalip woman | Remains found of woman who vanished 5 years ago after winning $400,000 abuse settlement | Native Woman Won $400,000 from Abuse Settlement, Then Vanished. Inside a Family's Quest to Find Out What Happened
