Tribal and federal authorities are investigating the death of a young woman on the
Omaha Reservation in Nebraska.
According to news reports, 29-year-old Ashlea Aldrich, a mother of two, was found in a field on the reservation earlier this week.
In a post on social media, the victim's mother blamed the death on domestic violence, an act committed by someone known to the family and to local law enforcement.
"He beat my daughter and left her in a field!! ... dead!" Tillie Aldrich wrote on Tuesday. Her
post contains photos of the site where Ashlea's body was found.
Today, we filled with grief as a community. When our community hurts, we all hurt. May Wakonda give strength in this...
Posted by Omaha Tribe of Nebraska on Tuesday, January 7, 2020
The
Omaha Tribe has shut down most operations for the day, as has the
Nebraska Indian Community College, amid the investigation. A
post on social media referenced the impact of Aldrich's death on the reservation.
"Today, we filled with grief as a community," the post read. "When our community hurts, we all hurt. May Wakonda give strength in this time of sorrow and sadness."
Women on the reservation held a candlelight vigil in memory of Aldrich on Tuesday night. Another one is scheduled for Wednesday evening.
In a
post on social media, one participant wrote: "let us stand against domestic violence let us show Ashlea we care" and "let us show support to her family"
Another vigil is being
planned at the Indian Center in Lincoln on Saturday.
Read More on the Story
Woman's death in Macy, Nebraska under investigation
(Siouxland News January 8, 2020)
Authorities investigating body found on Omaha Tribe Reservation
(KTIV January 8, 2020)
Authorities investigating woman's death near Macy
(The Sioux City Journal January 8, 2020)
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