Law | National | Politics

Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes rally for stronger child abuse law






The Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma held a rally at the State Capitol on Wednesday to call for tougher child abuse laws.

Tribal members were spurred into action by the tragic death of Naomi Whitecrow. The two-year-old girl was was placed in a foster home with Amy Holder, 40, in September 2008.

A few months later, on January 20, 2009, the two-year-old girl was found dead. Holder was found guilty of child abuse but the jury did not recommend prison time -- only a $5,000 fine.

“If there is any silver lining in this tragic cloud it is that we fight for justice in her name,” Gov. Janice Prairie Chief-Boswell said at the rally, The Edmond Sun reported. “Many changes need to be made in the state of Oklahoma when it comes to child abuse cases. I encourage you to stand with us in our mission to enact those changes and to make those responsible for these precious children’s deaths accountable.”

Holder is due to be sentenced on Tuesday.

Get the Story:
Tribal Members Rally In Support Of Naomi Whitecrow (News 9 11/2)
Family seeks justice for 2-year-old (The Edmond Sun 11/2)

Related Stories:
Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes pushes for prison over child's death (10/6)

Join the Conversation