A human skull was discovered by walkers near an irrigation canal within the tribal capital of the Gila River Indian Community almost two years ago, but the identity of “Sacaton John Doe” is now known.
Glenn Thomas Tate Jr., who was White Mountain Apache and also from the Gila River Indian Community, went missing in 2020 after seeking medical treatment on the reservation just south of Phoenix.
His skull was found about three miles away from Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital.
A Texas company, Othram, has determined it belonged to him, using forensic genetic genealogy evidence sent through President Donald Trump’s Operation Spirit Return — to help solve cases of missing and unidentified Indigenous peoples.
Records from the Pinal County Medical Examiner’s Office show Tate’s brain tissue tested for traces of methamphetamine. The cause of death is unknown and it’s unclear whether federal authorities are still searching for answers.
While the Gila River Police Department first responded, this investigation is being handled by the Bureau of Indian Affairs' Missing and Murdered Unit, which would not tell KJZZ whether Tate’s case remains open.
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Patty Talahongva is an Arizona native and a longtime journalist; she’s also directed and produced documentaries, among other roles.
