Family and friends are set to come together in Sioux City to commemorate the tragic murder of a Native American woman over three decades ago. The event, scheduled for tomorrow, aims to shed light on the unresolved case of Lori Ann DeCora, who tragically lost her life following a brutal assault at a house party in 1992.
Danielle LaPointe, the niece of Lori Ann DeCora, revealed that despite the arrest of a suspect in connection with the crime, no prosecution ever took place. LaPointe expressed her deep sense of loss and frustration, stating, “She was just missed. I feel like on all fronts, and we were just trying to bring that awareness and bring that back, like, hey, here, she’s a cold case, she’s right there from Sioux City, Iowa, like she’s not forgotten. She is somebody’s family member.”
DeCora, a member of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, continues to be remembered and honored by her loved ones. A representative from the Sioux City Police Department affirmed that the investigation into her murder remains open, urging anyone with new information to come forward and assist in the pursuit of justice.
The upcoming gathering, slated for Saturday, will take place at the very location where DeCora was viciously attacked, marking the 33rd anniversary of her untimely passing. LaPointe emphasized the importance of keeping her aunt’s memory alive, stating, “She isn’t forgotten, she isn’t invisible. She did matter and she still has loved ones here that care about her and want to see justice for her.”
In a glimmer of hope for the grieving family, a breakthrough in another cold case in Sioux City occurred earlier this year. Thomas Duane Popp was apprehended by authorities for the murder of Terry McCauley, a young mother of two and a member of the Omaha Tribe, whose case had remained unsolved since 1983. The relentless efforts of family members and the power of social media were credited with reviving interest in the McCauley investigation, offering a beacon of hope for the DeCora family in their own quest for closure.
As Sheila Brummer of Iowa Public Radio aptly captures, the heart-wrenching journey of seeking justice for Lori Ann DeCora serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring pain felt by those left behind in the wake of a senseless tragedy.
