Shutdown stalls national missing persons database, delaying help for Muldrow police in missing teen case

Muldrow police face challenges in updating missing person cases because of a government shutdown impacting the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs. gov). Assistant Police Chief Brad Roberts noted that the department submitted a case for a teenage girl who ran away in early October but received no approval for public posting. The shutdown has also hindered their attempts to obtain DNA kits through NamUs. “We need every resource available,” Roberts stated, expressing the urgency of the situation.

The girl was found safe after nearly a month, aided by immediate responses from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and local agencies. The shutdown prevents families from receiving crucial updates and resources, which can help bring resolution. Colleen Nick, from the Morgan Nick Foundation, emphasized the necessity of having family reference samples available for matching with unidentified remains. As the shutdown continues, the need for a functional missing persons database becomes increasingly critical.