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- calendar_today October 10, 2026
Reward Announced in Case of Trea Shay Northrup's Death
The family of Trea Shay Northrup, a 19-year-old Native American woman who died in Winnemucca in August, is seeking answers regarding the circumstances of her death. An Indigenous advocacy group, Not Our Native Daughters, has announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest and conviction if authorities determine a crime occurred.
Details Surrounding Northrup's Death
Northrup, a member of the Fort McDermitt Paiute and Shoshone Tribe, died on August 2, according to an October 7 news release from Not Our Native Daughters. The nonprofit, which advocates for missing and murdered Indigenous people and their families, is supporting Northrup’s relatives in their ongoing search for answers.
Calls for Continued Investigation
Northrup’s family has requested that investigators keep the case open while evidence is reviewed and questions about her final hours are addressed. Both the family and Not Our Native Daughters urge anyone who saw Northrup, spoke with her, or has information about the hours leading up to her death to contact law enforcement. The organization’s founder and executive director, Lynnette Grey Bull, emphasized the importance of attention and support for the family, stating, “They should not have to carry the additional burden of fighting for people to pay attention. Trea’s life mattered. Her family deserves to be heard, and their questions deserve careful attention.”
Reward for Information and How to Qualify
Not Our Native Daughters is offering up to $5,000 for credible information that leads directly to an arrest and conviction if investigators confirm a crime was committed. To qualify, information must be submitted directly to law enforcement and verified by the investigating agency; additional conditions may apply. No specifics were provided regarding the cause or manner of Northrup’s death, and the status of the police investigation was not disclosed in the organization’s release.
Community Advocacy and Media Attention
Lynnette Grey Bull has called for greater media and public awareness in the case, saying it could help authorities locate individuals with relevant information. “The lack of attention to our cases is part of the problem,” she said. “When Native families are left to make these appeals alone, opportunities to reach someone with information can be missed.” Attorney Chase Iron Eyes of the Lakota Law Project is assisting the Northrup family with advocacy efforts, with the family providing written consent for Not Our Native Daughters to lead public awareness efforts.
Law Enforcement and Public Guidance
The organization has asked the public to respect the privacy of Northrup’s mother, Tramaine Northrup, and other family members. They urge people not to approach the family with rumors or unsolicited information. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Cory Dunckhorst through Humboldt County Dispatch at 775-623-6429, referencing Winnemucca Police Department case 26-0832. The organization also requested that anyone in possession of photographs, messages, videos, or electronic records related to the case preserve the originals and submit them to law enforcement. For assistance directing information, Not Our Native Daughters can be reached at info@notournativedaughters.org.
Source: thisisreno.com.
