NOISE Urges Renewed Search for Missing Cherokee Veteran Justin Baker Amid Ongoing MMIWP Crisis
Tulsa, OK – May 1, 2025 — The Northeast Oklahoma Indigenous Safety & Education (NOISE) organization has issued a public call for renewed search efforts and media attention regarding the disappearance of Justin Dewayne Baker, a 41-year-old U.S. Army combat veteran, father, and enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation. Justin has been missing since January 24, 2025, when he was last seen in the early morning hours in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Despite extensive search operations, he has not been located. NOISE, an Indigenous advocacy organization, is working alongside Justin’s family to bring renewed urgency and support to the effort to bring him home.
Timeline of Events
Jan. 24, 2025, 2:02 AM – Last Sighting:
Justin was last seen leaving the Old Towne Bar in downtown Fort Smith, AR, at approximately 2:02 a.m. He left in a vehicle with two acquaintances, Gary Hollis and Cinder Hollis.Between 3:00–3:30 AM – Vehicle Enters River:
The vehicle, a Jeep, went off a drop-off near Moffett, Oklahoma, and plunged into the Arkansas River, coming to rest about 70 feet from shore in 11.5 feet of water on a sandbar. All three occupants escaped the vehicle, but only two made it to shore. Justin is believed to have tried to swim but did not reach land.Morning of Jan. 24 Onward – Search Efforts Begin:
Multiple agencies, including the Oklahoma Highway Patrol Lake Patrol’s dive team and local law enforcement from Oklahoma and Arkansas, launched search operations. The search utilized side-scan sonar, K9 units, and support from the Fort Smith Fire Department. The vehicle was recovered on Jan. 25, but Justin was not found. Despite ongoing efforts, he remains missing.
Mother’s Concerns and Plea for Renewed Search
Justin’s mother, Kelly Cox, has expressed deep concern about the circumstances surrounding her son’s disappearance. She revealed that the vehicle’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) did not register a crash or impact when entering the river, and the airbags did not deploy—raising questions about the events of that night.
“It’s just been a nightmare, and it will continue that way until I find him. We’re not going to stop,” Cox stated.
She continues to call on authorities to expand search efforts downstream and investigate the inconsistencies in the data.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) has now taken over the case, potentially indicating that additional factors are being considered. While no foul play has been confirmed, the family and NOISE are urging the public to come forward with any information—no matter how small.
NOISE Advocacy and Support for the Baker Family
As an organization committed to the safety and education of Indigenous communities, NOISE is standing in solidarity with the Baker family. Justin’s disappearance—particularly as a Cherokee Nation citizen and veteran—highlights the urgent need to address the broader crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP).
“Our hearts break for Justin’s family, and our community will not rest until we have answers,” said a NOISE advocate.
“Every missing Indigenous person matters, and we will continue to advocate for Justin until he is brought home.”
NOISE is actively coordinating with search teams, contacting media outlets, and rallying community support to keep the case visible and gather any leads that may help locate Justin.
Public Appeal for Information
Anyone with information about Justin Baker, Gary Hollis, or Cinder Hollis on the night of January 23–24, 2025, or about the vehicle’s entry into the Arkansas River, is urged to come forward. Even the smallest detail could help piece together what happened.
Contact:
Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office or your local law enforcement
OSBI Tipline
Media Contact: Kassie Gullick, NOISE Advocacy Team Lead
📞 (918) 845-1813
About NOISE
The Northeast Oklahoma Indigenous Safety & Education (NOISE) is a community-driven organization dedicated to the safety of Indigenous peoples and education on issues impacting Indigenous communities—including advocacy for families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR/MMIWP).
#MMIWP #MMIR
