NILJ IN THE NEWS

Nonprofit to Investigate Cold Cases Opens in Huntington

HUNTINGTON NOW

A nonprofit organization devoted to resolving cold cases through private investigative work officially opened for business Friday in Huntington.

The National Institute for Law and Justice, founded by retired NYPD detective Mark Pucci and entrepreneur/author, Kiersten Hathcock will help families of those seeking to find missing relatives or find answers to how they died.

After he retired from the force in 2001, Pucci went into private investigative work, then worked with fellow former NYPD detective “Bo” Dietl, before returning to working on his own.

He said the foundation will focus on assisting families who can’t afford the pricetag attached to private investigations, which can run as high as $30,000….

FLAGSTAFF BUSINESS NEWS

“Hundreds of thousands of people go missing every year, often leaving loved ones with unanswered questions and broken hearts. However, the situation is especially dire among

Indigenous women because many cases go unreported. The National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ), a non-profit organization with local ties, wants to help those families by providing funds to investigate the cases. To do so, volunteers are planning a virtual fundraising run/walk/bike race from May 1-31 called “Miles for the Missing.”

NILJ is an organization created in 2021 by Mark Pucci, a private detective, formerly with the New York Police Department, and author Kiersten Hathcock, who lived in Flagstaff with her family for nine years and is the chief marketing officer for Moonshot. The two met while working together to solve cold cases involving missing and murdered people.

The unexpected partnership began when Hathcock discovered her strong intuitive gifts, which led her to volunteer with investigators, including Detective Pucci. Her interest in the plight of missing people is detailed in her 2022 book, Little Voices. Pucci penned the foreword for her spiritual memoir.

“Having volunteered my time for over 12 years with parents whose children have passed on or have gone missing, I’ve seen first-hand the devastation and daily pain they endure while having few places to turn for help after a case goes cold,” she said. “I’m beyond grateful that in addition to our investigative team, leaders like Betty Lyons, the executive director of the American Indian Law Alliance and proud member of the Onondaga Nation, recognize the need for NILJ and have partnered with us to ensure we’re able to help as many families as possible.” ….CONTINUED BELOW.

FULL ARTICLE

EXCERPT…“My heart was broken, and I was very concerned that Sacheen was not here to speak on her own behalf,” Kelley tells THR. As administrator of Littlefeather’s Facebook page, she had fielded the occasional comment denying her Native heritage before, but Keeler’s probe gave her pause. “I hesitated and said, ‘OK, if she says she’s done this, let me see what she’s done and do my own research.’ ”

She enlisted Mark Pucci, a former NYPD detective and founder of the nonprofit National Institute for Law & Justice. The two had been introduced a year earlier because of their respective work with Native communities — Kelley’s One Bowl banner has produced multiple films on the Haudenosaunee people, while NILJ’s caseload has increasingly focused on missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. Pucci tapped genealogist Kathleen Eddings to begin building the family tree of Sacheen Littlefeather, née Marie Cruz."

Hollywood Reporter

American Indian Law Alliance Partners with National Institute for Law and Justice to Address MMIR Crisis

August 22, 2023 – [Syracuse, NY] – In a groundbreaking move, the American Indian Law Alliance (AILA) today announced its partnership with the National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ) to intensify efforts in solving cases involving missing and murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR).

Since its inception in 1989, AILA has championed the causes of Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations, tirelessly advocating for sovereignty, human rights, and social justice. Their profound expertise in these realms will synergize with the capabilities of NILJ, which was established in 2021.

NILJ's primary mission is to provide investigative support—at no cost—for victims and their families, enabling them to present their individual cases for expert review by decorated retired NYPD homicide detectives and a network of forensic and investigation specialists. This includes current and cold MMIR cases, ensuring justice and closure are achievable for all, irrespective of financial barriers.

“What sets NILJ apart from other organizations is that they are committed and are passionate about doing the work of bringing our relatives home and investigating these cases,” said Gaeñ hia uh, Betty Lyons (Onondaga Nation, Snipe Clan), Executive Director of American Indian Law Alliance (aila.ngo). “In their retirement these dedicated men are choosing to bring some sense of closure to these mourning families.”

Detective Mark Pucci, Founder and CEO of NILJ added, "This partnership with AILA is pivotal in our dedication to reach and help Indigenous families who otherwise might not know about our organization.”

Together, NILJ and AILA will address the MMIR crisis and bring resolution to families whose loved ones are missing and/or murdered. Their efforts will spotlight the struggles of Indigenous communities and advocate for legislative and policy changes at the national level.

The organizations invite public engagement, urging policymakers, stakeholders, and the community at large to rally behind this crucial mission.

To submit a case for review, family members whose loved ones are missing or have been murdered are encouraged to visit https://nilj.org/contact-us or call 1-833-FIND-ME.

AILA and NILJ are passionate about working together to help support the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, 2Spirit folks, and all Indigenous Relations coming home.

“The Two Row Wampum belt treaty reminds us that we are traveling down this river of life side-by-side with one another,” added Betty Lyons. “Let's work together to reunite families.”

————

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Kiersten Hathcock
Kiersten@nilj.org
833-364-3630 (ext 201)

About AILA: The American Indian Law Alliance (AILA), established in 1989, as an Indigenous, non-profit, non-partisan organization. AILA collaborates with Indigenous nations, communities, and organizations to advocate for sovereignty, human rights, and social justice, steadfastly championing the rights and needs of Indigenous peoples throughout Turtle island For more information, visit https://aila.ngo/.

About NILJ: Founded in 2022, the National Institute for Law and Justice (NILJ) offers victims, their families, and loved ones the opportunity to present their missing persons and homicide cases—at no cost—for expert review, bridging financial gaps and ensuring professional investigations. The nonprofit organization is committed to unveiling the truth, serving justice, and providing closure to all affected parties. For more information, visit https://nilj.org.

###

Kiersten Hathcock Amplifies Little Voices

Retired New York City Police Department Detective Mark Pucci, who continues to work as a private investigator, has collaborated with Hathcock on cases. He says her psychic ability “literally” saved his life when she warned him that he was putting himself in “mortal danger” with individuals connected to an investigation. Clues she was able to provide him helped him recognize the scene where danger lurked and also the individual who had intended to harm him. “Without any doubt, if Kiersten hadn’t advised me of the message she had received, and the specific details it contained, I believe the outcome of that afternoon could have been very different.”

Det. Pucci says Hathcock’s involvement often leads to a unique take on an ongoing investigation. “What Kiersten’s abilities bring to the table is oftentimes a focused message, which may cause a re-examination or re-evaluation of current evidence, a fresh perspective or nuance you may have overlooked before or may also initiate the creation of a new direction entirely to explore.”