Remembering Ashley Johnson-Barr on Her 18th Birthday

Nearly a decade since her murder, a tragic reminder of the plight of missing and murdered Indigenous persons.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:53pm

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Nearly a decade after the murder of Ashley Johnson-Barr, a young Indigenous woman from Alaska, her family and community are remembering her life and legacy on what would have been her 18th birthday.

Why it matters

Ashley Johnson-Barr's case highlights the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons, a problem that disproportionately affects Native communities across the United States and Canada. Her story serves as a tragic reminder of the work that still needs to be done to protect vulnerable Indigenous individuals and bring justice to victims and their families.

The details

Ashley Johnson-Barr was 10 years old when she was abducted and murdered in 2018 near her hometown of Kotzebue, Alaska. Her body was found several days later, and a suspect was eventually arrested and convicted. Johnson-Barr's family and friends remember her as a vibrant, joyful young woman who 'just enjoyed life'.

  • Ashley Johnson-Barr would have turned 18 years old on March 13, 2026.

The players

Ashley Johnson-Barr

A 10-year-old Indigenous girl from Kotzebue, Alaska who was abducted and murdered in 2018.

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The takeaway

Ashley Johnson-Barr's tragic story serves as a somber reminder of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous persons, and the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable members of Native communities and bring justice to victims and their families.