Documentary Series Examines Alaska's MMIP Crisis and Unanswered Questions

The HBO series 'Lost Women of Alaska' investigates the case of an Anchorage serial killer and how local police handled the disturbing murders of Indigenous women.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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A new three-part documentary series on HBO, 'Lost Women of Alaska,' examines the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people in Alaska, particularly Alaska Native women, through the case of serial killer Brian Steven Smith. The series looks at how the Anchorage Police Department handled the case and considers lingering questions of justice for the victims and their families.

Why it matters

The MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons) crisis in Alaska is a longstanding and devastating issue that disproportionately affects Indigenous women. This documentary series sheds light on the systemic failures and biases within law enforcement that have allowed these crimes to go unaddressed, raising awareness and pushing for accountability.

The details

The series focuses on the case of Brian Steven Smith, a South African national who was convicted in 2024 of killing two Native women, Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, in Anchorage. The documentary details how the victims faced complex challenges like clergy abuse, violence, and addiction, leaving them unhoused and vulnerable. It also examines how the Anchorage Police Department initially failed to act on a prior confession from Smith and did not promptly investigate or publicize evidence related to another missing woman, Cassandra Boskofsky.

  • In 2018, Smith's prior romantic partner, Alicia Youngblood, reported to police that he had confessed to killing someone, but police said there was not enough evidence to make an arrest at the time.
  • In 2019, another woman, Valerie Casler, stole Smith's phone and uncovered violent images and videos, leading to his arrest.
  • In 2024, Smith was convicted and sentenced to 226 years in prison for the murders of Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abouchuk.
  • In 2025, MMIP advocates were honored with a First Amendment Award from the Alaska Press Club for their work on the case and identifying Cassandra Boskofsky.

The players

Brian Steven Smith

A South African national who was convicted in 2024 of killing two Native women, Kathleen Jo Henry and Veronica Abouchuk, in Anchorage.

Cassandra Boskofsky

A Native woman reported missing in Anchorage in 2019, whose family and advocates say there was little effort on behalf of investigators to pursue her case.

Amber Morrison-Waters

A friend of Boskofsky, Henry, and Abouchuk who expressed outrage and anger over the lack of investigation into Boskofsky's disappearance.

Michael Livingston

A former Anchorage Police Department officer who is now an MMIP advocate and described an unspoken, secret policy within the department when responding to certain deaths or missing persons reports as 'NHI' (no human involved).

Robyn Frier

An Alaska state representative who introduced House Bill 170, dubbed 'Kathleen's Law,' to increase criminal penalties for failing to report a violent crime.

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What they’re saying

“No human being should be taken from the world in that manner.”

— Heather Kalmakoff, Advocate for Alaska Native welfare (Lost Women of Alaska)

“Daughters, sisters, mothers, friends — every woman taken has her story.”

— Octavia Spencer, Academy award-winning actress and executive producer of the series (Lost Women of Alaska)

“When we found out about the pictures, it hurt. She's our family, and we love and miss her very much.”

— Terrie Boskofsky, Aunt of Cassandra Boskofsky (Lost Women of Alaska)

“I feel outraged and angry. We've been looking for Cassandra for years, years, and she's been dead this whole time.”

— Amber Morrison-Waters, Friend of Boskofsky, Henry, and Abouchuk (Lost Women of Alaska)

“I think one of the biggest contributors to MMIP in Alaska is racism — basic, ugly racism — that says that Alaska Native people, particularly Alaska Native women, are inferior.”

— Michael Livingston, Former Anchorage Police Department officer and MMIP advocate (Lost Women of Alaska)

What’s next

Advocates are pushing for the passage of House Bill 170, dubbed 'Kathleen's Law,' which would increase criminal penalties for failing to report a violent crime. They are also continuing to seek justice and information about the death of Cassandra Boskofsky.

The takeaway

This documentary series shines a light on the systemic failures and biases within law enforcement that have allowed the MMIP crisis in Alaska to persist, underscoring the urgent need for accountability, policy changes, and a renewed commitment to protecting and seeking justice for Indigenous women.