Memorial walk held for Shawnee man's unsolved murder case

The cold, wet weather on Saturday did not stop tribal members from showing their support for a Shawnee murder victim's family. The group held a memorial walk to raise awareness about Brandon Kaseca’s unsolved murder case. The walk for Kaseca drew supporters from Texas, New Mexico, and members of an Indigenous motorcycle club from all over the country.

The rain may have cast a shadow on the day, but it did not dampen the group's spirit. They gathered outside the Pottawatomie County Courthouse.

“I really didn’t know what to expect but I appreciate everybody that came out today to support our family,” Ellen Meely, the victim’s sister. “It means a lot to all of us here.”

Ellen Meely organized the memorial walk for her brother. Kaseca was shot to death at a Shawnee home three years ago.

“We still don’t know who murdered him,” said Meely. “So, we’re here walking for justice for him.”

Also leading the path to justice is Darlene Gomez, a New Mexico-based attorney specializing in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons cases.

“Brandon’s case is a case that all over Indian Country we see every day,” said Darlene Gomez.

While in Oklahoma, Gomez met with Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigations agents and Sac and Fox Nation police to discuss Kaseca's case moving forward.

“Our meeting yesterday was going to be a consorted effort by all law enforcement that was involved in Brandon’s case,” said Gomez. “Unfortunately, the Shawnee Police Department did not show up.”

Gomez said when the community and police come together, it shows a united effort in seeking justice. For Kaseca's family, it means their loved one has not been forgotten.

“We need to show that Brandon’s life matters,” said Gomez.  

The family tells me authorities have received several viable leads after the Sac and Fox Nation increased the reward last month.

The Sac and Fox Nation is still offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in Kaseca's murder. Tips can be reported to the Sac and Fox Nation or the Shawnee Police Department.