Roy Tsatoke

What we know

This summery of the investigation into Mr. Roy Tsatoke’s disappearance includes background information, witness statements, and inconsistencies related to his last known whereabouts. This is an ongoing investigation; names have been redacted to protect the integrity of the case. All discovered information in the original report has been handed over to authorities to be investigated.

Missing Person Case of Roy Tsatoke

This case involves the disappearance of Roy Tsatoke, a Native American man, and the investigation surrounding it.

• Roy Tsatoke went missing on September 22, 2024, from McKinleyville, California. ​
• His mother, Heather Allen, reported him missing after he failed to return follow-up text messages she received from him the morning of his disappearance.
• The Arcata Police Department is handling the case, with report number 24-2194.
• A Feather Alert was issued for Mr. Tsatoke, indicating he is an endangered missing person. ​
• Community search efforts have yielded no results, and flyers have been distributed widely.

Background and Circumstances of Disappearance

This section outlines the events leading up to Mr. Tsatoke’s disappearance and the people involved. ​

• Mr. Tsatoke was house sitting for his ex-girlfriend’s mother, at the time of his disappearance. ​
• Mr. Tsatoke was with his ex-girlfriend days leading up to his disappearance.
• On September 17, 2024, he texted his mother about trouble at Everetts bar in Arcata, indicating police were looking for him. ​
• His last known location his phoned ping, was near the HWY 299 and 96 Junction, north of Willow Creek on September 22, 2024. ​

Statements from Key Individuals

This section summarizes statements from individuals close to Mr. Tsatoke, including family and friends.

• Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend, claimed he sexually assaulted her on September 21, 2024, but later contradicted herself regarding the timeline and sequence of events, plus no official criminal report was ever filed at that time. However, she did file a sexual assault report four weeks later with the Arcata Police Department.
• Question why Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend waited four weeks to file the report, well after Tsatoke went missing.
• A close friend noted Mr. Tsatoke appeared depressed and had a fight with his ex-girlfriend before going missing. Mr. Tsatoke expressed this to her the night before he went missing. ​
• Ms. Allen received suspicious text messages from Mr. Tsatoke’s phone after he went missing, suggesting someone else may have been using it. ​

Investigation Findings and Contradictions

This section highlights inconsistencies and findings from the investigation into Mr. Tsatoke’s disappearance. ​

• It it took four weeks for Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend to file the alleged sexual assault to police. ​
• Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriends’ statements about her work schedule and the timeline of events have inconsistencies, she has no concrete alibi. ​
• Ms. Allen’s attempts to retrieve Mr. Tsatoke’s dog from Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriends’ mother were unsuccessful, as the sheriff’s department deemed it a civil matter. To date she still is in possession of Mr. Tsatoke’s dog. ​
• Evidence suggests that Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend may have fabricated parts of her story to cover up her relationship with Mr. Tsatoke from her now boyfriend who may have found out about their weekend together, the same weekend Mr. Tsatoke went missing.

Theories and Suspicions Regarding Disappearance

This section presents various theories about what may have happened to Mr. Tsatoke.

• There is suspicion that Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend may have been involved in Mr. Tsatoke’s disappearance due to her conflicting statements and relationship with her new boyfriend.
• Close friends, of Mr. Tsatoke may also be withholding information about his whereabouts. ​
• The investigation has not ruled out foul play, given the circumstances surrounding Mr. Tsatoke’s last known interactions and the lack of evidence.

Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps

This section outlines the current status of the investigation and future actions planned.

• The investigation is ongoing, with interviews planned for family and friends. ​
• The Arcata Police Department has been involved, but it is unclear if they have pursued all leads thoroughly. ​
• Ms. Allen has organized multiple search parties with no success, indicating the need for further investigation into potential suspects.

Mr. Tsatoke’s Disappearance Overview

Roy Tsatoke, a 26-year-old Native American man, went missing under suspicious circumstances following two significant incidents involving altercations and allegations of sexual assault. ​

• Last seen on September 22, 2024, in McKinleyville, CA.
• Prior incidents include a bar fight on September 14, 2024, and a reported rape by his ex-girlfriend on September 21, 2024.
• Tsatoke had expressed fear of legal trouble and indicated a desire to go off the grid. ​
• His mother, Heather Allen, has been actively searching for him and believes law enforcement is not adequately investigating the case. ​

Key Incidents Leading to Disappearance

Two major incidents occurred shortly before Tsatoke’s disappearance, potentially influencing his decision to go missing.

• The first incident involved a physical altercation at Everetts Bar over a woman, leading Tsatoke to brandish a firearm. ​
• The second incident involved allegations of rape made by his ex-girlfriend, which could have heightened his anxiety about legal repercussions.
• Tsatoke communicated with friends about feeling unsafe and needing to escape from his ex-girlfriend.

Investigation and Search Efforts

The investigation into Tsatoke’s disappearance has involved multiple interviews and search efforts by family, friends, and local authorities. ​

• A GoFundMe page was established to support search efforts, covering costs for family members. ​
• Multiple witnesses have provided information about Tsatoke’s last known whereabouts and interactions.
• Search parties have been organized, including a significant search on December 7, 2024, in the Willow Creek area, but yielded no results.

Persons of Interest and Relationships

Several individuals connected to Tsatoke have been identified as persons of interest in the investigation. ​

• Ex-girlfriend and her mother are key figures, with potential motives related to Tsatoke’s relationships.
• Ex-girlfriend and her mother according to witnesses are the last people to see Mr. Tsatoke alive.
• Tsatoke’s got into a fight at Everetts Bar, those individuals are also considered persons of interest.
• Tsatoke’s relationship with his ex-girlfriend have been scrutinized for possible motives related to his disappearance. ​

Communication and Phone Activity

Tsatoke’s phone activity has raised questions about his state of mind and potential foul play. ​

• His phone last pinged near Willow Creek on September 22, 2024, the day he went missing. ​
• Friends received suspicious text messages from Tsatoke’s phone, indicating he was going off the grid, but the language used was atypical for him. ​
• Tsatoke’s phone account was suspended for non-payment shortly after his disappearance, complicating efforts to track his movements.

Community and Family Involvement

The local community and Tsatoke’s family have played a significant role in the search and advocacy for his case.

• Heather Allen, Tsatoke’s mother, has been vocal about her frustrations with law enforcement’s handling of the case. ​
• Community members have organized search efforts and raised awareness about missing Indigenous persons.
• The Trinidad Rancheria has been involved in supporting the family and coordinating search efforts, highlighting the importance of community engagement in such cases.

Community Search for Missing Person

The community actively searches for Roy Tsatoke, a missing Indigenous person, with support from local advocates and family.

• Community search led by Trinidad Rancheria Victim Advocate Xavier Bond on December 7, 2024. ​
• Family members, including mother Heather Allen, participate in search efforts.
• Volunteers provided with supplies like water, snacks, and reflective vests during the search.

Investigation Insights and Challenges

The investigation into Roy Tsatoke’s disappearance reveals complex relationships and potential drug involvement.

• Officer Duggan from the Arcata Police Department is the lead investigator.
• Reports indicate Tsatoke had frequented Helena and was last seen at Kneeland Glen Farm Stand on September 23, 2024.
• Witnesses describe Tsatoke’s clothing and behavior, suggesting he was clean and well-kept at the time of his last sighting.

Personal Relationships and Conflicts

Tsatoke’s relationships with friends and family reveal underlying tensions and possible motives for his disappearance.

• Tsatoke’s friends describe their tumultuous relationship and his struggles with drug addiction. ​
• Conflicts arose over Tsatoke’s drug use and alleged vice activities to support his habits. ​
• Close friend believes Tsatoke may be hiding from individuals he had conflicts with, including a bar fight incident. ​

Drug Involvement and Criminal Connections

Tsatoke’s potential involvement in drug dealing raises concerns about his safety and the circumstances of his disappearance.

• Investigators uncover that Tsatoke was known for using drugs in Arcata, particularly around the plaza area. ​
• Family members express concerns about Tsatoke’s connections to drugs and possible criminal gangs.
• Heather Allen suspects that family members may have influenced his drug use and dealings. ​

Possible Sightings and Leads

Recent sightings and information suggest Tsatoke may still be alive and intentionally hiding. ​

• A witness reported seeing a man resembling Tsatoke in McKinleyville on January 21, 2025, who denied being Tsatoke.
• Investigators explore the possibility that Tsatoke is living with family in Oklahoma, raising questions about his disappearance.
• New leads indicate that Tsatoke may have traveled to Nevada or other locations to evade detection, this information has not been confirmed or denied. ​

Community and Law Enforcement Relations

The investigation highlights ongoing issues within the Indigenous community regarding missing persons and law enforcement trust.

• Community leaders express frustration with law enforcement’s handling of missing persons cases.
• Discussions at the MMIP Tribal Policy Summit emphasize the need for better collaboration and solutions to address the crisis.
• Elders in the community stress the importance of returning to traditional values to combat drug issues and missing persons cases.

Missing Person Case of Roy Tsatoke

Roy Tsatoke, a 26-year-old Native American man, has been reported missing since September 22, 2024, with various leads and connections to his disappearance.

• Last seen in McKinleyville, CA on September 22, 2024.
• Tribal affiliation: Kiowa; physical description includes brown eyes, long curly brown hair, height 5’10”, weight 135 lbs.
• Case number: 24-2194; contact Arcata Police Department for information at (707) 822-2428. ​

Circumstances Surrounding Tsatoke’s Disappearance

Multiple incidents and interactions leading up to Tsatoke’s disappearance raise concerns about his safety and possible foul play.

• Mr. Tsatoke got into a fight at Everetts Bar in Arcata on September 14, 2024. ​Per one of Mr. Tsatoke’s friend that was with him at Everetts bar that night, she identifies one of the assailants as being Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriends’ new boyfriend and an unknown associate.
• Venmo transaction on September 21, 2024, shows Tsatoke sending money to his ex-girlfriend for beer. ​
• It appears that Mr. Tsatoke and his ex-girlfriend had a sexual encounter the weekend Mr. Tsatoke went missing.
• Allegations of sexual assault by his ex-girlfriend were initially stated but then recanted a few days after Mr. Tsatoke went missing.
• It is believed that the sexual assault accusations made by Mr. Tsatoke’s ex-girlfriend were made in light of her new boyfriend finding out about the sexual encounter with Mr. Tsatoke.

Community Response and Search Efforts

Local community and private investigators are mobilizing to search for Tsatoke and address the broader issue of missing persons in Humboldt County.

• American Rescue Project, a private investigation firm, is conducting a pro-bono investigation into Tsatoke’s case.
• An open house/town hall meeting is scheduled for December 5, 2024, to gather community input and share experiences.
• A large search effort is planned for December 7, 2024, in Willow Creek.

Connections and Relationships

Tsatoke’s relationships with friends and acquaintances may provide insights into his disappearance and potential leads.

• Ex-girlfriend is a key individual who has an ongoing relationship with Mr. Tsatoke even up to the date of his disappearance.
• Ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend and close associates are mentioned in connection with Mr. Tsatoke’s disappearance.

Locations of Interest

Several locations have been identified as significant in the timeline of Tsatoke’s disappearance.

• Mr. Tsatoke’s Ex-Girlfriend’s home at 802B Hiller Road McKinleyville CA, 95519, where Mr. Tsatoke was last seen.
• Everetts Bar and the alley behind it are critical sites where Tsatoke was involved in a fight. ​
• A fruit stand at 6821 Myrtle Ave, Eureka, was where Tsatoke was seen on September 23, 2024. ​
• Maps of Blue Lake and McKinleyville highlight potential routes and areas of interest related to Tsatoke’s last known whereabouts.

A break in the case

On October 2, 2525, Ms. Allen mother of Roy Tsatoke and Investigator Lopez of the American Rescue Project had a meeting with the Humboldt Sherrif. The meeting went well, and Lopez turned over a yearlong investigation into the disappearance of Roy Tsatoke. The American Rescue Project will be working with the Humboldt Sherrif’s department moving forward. The Sherrif stated that he is going to make this case a priority.

This is an ongoing investigation names of possible suspects have been redacted to secure the investigations. If anyone has additional information to Mr., Tsatoke’s whereabouts please contact us immediately.