A Family’s Tireless Search for the Missing Billings Woman They Love

Shacaiah 'Blue' Harding from Billings, Montana, has been missing since July 23, 2018, when she was last seen walking along Buena Vista Road.

Despite ongoing efforts by the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Indian Affairs OJS Missing and Murdered Unit, the whereabouts of Shacaiah remain a mystery - nearly eight years later but her family refuses to give up the search.

Troubling Signs on Social Media

On July 25, 2018, Shacaiah posted a series of distressing messages on Facebook, hinting at personal struggles and possibly, a failed relationship. Her social media activity abruptly ended after that post, leaving her friends and family deeply concerned.

Challenges and Concerns

In the months leading up to her disappearance, Shacaiah was reportedly dealing with some life troubles and addiction. According to Missing People in America, Shacaiah Harding had been intermittently living on the streets in Billings during the spring and summer of 2018, yet she stayed in regular touch with her family. Shacaiah reportedly sought out assistance from organizations like the Tumbleweed Runaway Center, which caters to homeless and runaway youth.

Last seen walking along Buena Vista Drive in Billings at 4:00 p.m. on July 23, 2018, Shacaiah's disappearance left her loved ones anxious about her well-being. Missing People in America notes that at the time she vanished, Shacaiah's family expressed concern that she may have been a victim of human trafficking.

Unsubstantiated Leads and Ongoing Search Efforts

Despite a potential lead regarding a bus ticket purchase that she doesn't appear to have used, and possible sightings in various locations such as Phoenix and Seattle, authorities have yet to locate Shacaiah.

Speaking to Townsquare Media, one of Shacaiah's cousins shared that she wouldn't want anyone to experience the anguish her family has felt of not knowing the whereabouts or well-being of a family member. She also mentioned that Shacaiah's family will never give up hope for answers.

Problems or not, Shacaiah is someone's child. Someone's sister. Someone's friend. There are people who love her and want her found.

Physical Description of Shacaiah 'Blue' Harding

Shacaiah, who went missing at 19 years old, would be 26 years old today. Described as 5’4” and 125 pounds with black hair and brown eyes, she is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe from the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation.

Shacaiah has a known history of methamphetamine abuse and mental illness. It's possible she is using the name "Blue" as her middle name or may go by the alternate spellings "Shakaiah" and/or use the last name of "Haughtyng." Additionally, she has pierced ears.

High Rates of Missing Native Women in Montana

Indigenous people, specifically Native women, are reported missing at a much higher rate than the rest of the population. In Montana, even though Native Americans make up only 6.7% of the population, they make up 26% of the missing person reports from 2016 to 2018. Surprisingly, around two-thirds of these cases involve women or girls.

Get our free mobile app

A Plea for Help

Shacaiah's family and friends are still actively looking for any details that could help find her. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office at 406-256-2929.