Tribe asks feds to re-examine reservation deaths

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) -- The Oglala Sioux tribe is asking federal authorities to reopen investigations into 16 unresolved deaths and disappearances on or near South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Jennifer Baker, a lawyer for the tribe, says tribal officials will present a list of names to U.S. Attorney Brendan Johnson during a meeting Wednesday in Rapid City. Baker gave The Associated Press the list ahead of the meeting; the names haven't otherwise been made public.

Tribal officials claim the deaths are unsolved murders, though one alleged victim has never been found. The tribe submitted a separate list of 28 unresolved deaths to Johnson in May. He says he will devote three attorneys from his office to re-examine those cases.

Johnson did not immediately respond to a call seeking comment Wednesday.

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