State has highest rate of missing persons

According to NamUs, the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System, Oklahoma has the highest percentage of missing people in the U.S. with 16 missing per 100,000 residents, followed closely by Arizona with 14.2. NamUs reports that about 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day, and though the vast majority of them are found within a few days, others are still vanished.

To provide assistance to the family and friends who have missing loved ones, the Missing in Oklahoma (MiOK) will host a Missing in Oklahoma Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Central Oklahoma’s Forensic Science Institute, 801 E. 2nd St., Edmond.

For more information about the event or to sign up, contact okmissingpersons@ gmail.com.

There is no cost for attendance.

The Forensic Science Institute may be reached at 405-974-2000.

Those who attend will be able to: – Initiate a missing person report to law enforcement.

– Provide additional investigative leads.

– Enter and/or review the missing person information in NamUs.

– Submit family reference DNA.

– Bring photographs to display of their loved one(s).

– Provide dental and medical records.

– Relate any and all pertinent information about the missing.

Law enforcement investigators may attend and are welcome to escort families who may be interested.

Speakers who have gone through this process will be on hand to talk personally to those with questions.

There will be resources and information for everyone in attendance.

The Sac and Fox Nation will provide both morning and lunch food and beverages for the event.

Three people from McIntosh County are in the NamUs files: – Peggy Ann McGuire, from Eufaula, date of last contact, Nov. 16, 2015. Current age 37.

– Christianna Ashley Laniel, from Checotah, date of last contact Sept. 22, 2022. Current age 29.

– Paul Wayne Barnett, from Eufaula; date of last contact June 1, 201. Current age 54.