Nearly a dozen children missing in North Dakota in just 17 days
Families and advocates call for answers as missing children cases rise, with Indigenous youth most affected
Nearly a dozen children and teenagers have been reported missing in North Dakota in less than three weeks, sparking alarm among families, advocates, and law enforcement. Authorities say the sudden rise in missing minors is unusual for the state, where nine cases remain unresolved as of mid-August.
According to the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office, 12 juveniles have been reported missing since late July, with new cases added as recently as August 17. Investigators say the cases do not appear to be connected but admit the sharp increase is troubling.
“That feels like a lot when you say it out loud,” said Steven Harstad, chief agent with the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Who are the missing children?
The missing include both young children and teenagers, with ages ranging from 3 to 19. Reported cases include:
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- Dashira Chapple, 14 – last seen in Fargo on July 29
- Camila Naara Juarez Perez, 9 – last seen in Williston on August 3
- Maddison Mickaila Finch, 16 – last seen in Grand Forks County on August 9
- Angel Marquece Peltier, 15 – last seen in Fargo on August 10
- Mariah Alexandria Gorneau, 19 – last seen in Mandan
- Adrian Skye Spies, 14 – last seen in Fargo on August 11
- Abbigail Louise Compeau, 16 – last seen in Grand Forks on August 12
- Anaiese Dachelle Weems, 3 – last seen in Minot on August 13
- Xiyan Oka, 16 – last seen in Ward County on August 13
- Xoey Iceman, 16 – last seen in Ward County on August 13
- Tayvin Fox, 15 – last seen in Ward County on August 13
Officials warn that the true number of missing children in North Dakota could be higher. If a child is classified as a runaway, their case does not appear in the state’s official missing persons registry.
“A lot of times, a runaway is not even reported to law enforcement because they have come back in the past,” Harstad explained. “But even if that child has run away 20 times, the 21st time might be the time they’ve gotten into a bad situation.”
Indigenous youth at greater risk
So far in 2025, North Dakota has reported 30 missing people, including 18 minors. More than half of those missing children are Indigenous, raising concerns within tribal communities.
“You’d think there was something happening with that many people missing in a small state like North Dakota,” said Prairie Rose Seminole, a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons advocate. “These are children, these are loved ones; they’re community members whose absence is deeply felt. Just because a young person ran away doesn’t mean they’re safe.”
Authorities continue to investigate each disappearance and encourage families to report missing children immediately, regardless of whether they believe the child may have run away. Advocates say every case deserves urgency and attention, as the rise in missing teens and children in North Dakota has left communities searching for answers.
