I am writing to bring awareness and support for Nangohns Gianna Massey. She was a member of Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and a descendent of the Grand Traverse and Burt Lake Band. On November 16th, 2020, Kaden Gilbert came to Masseys’ apartment on the Isabella Reservation. She was seen putting a knife up her shirt sleeve by two witnesses and was caught on video. She entered the apartment and stabbed Massey (21 y.o.) and an unnamed man (22 y.o.) while Masseys’ son was asleep in the next room. The police arrived at the scene at 2:30 a.m. to find the unnamed man and Massey had been stabbed. They were both taken to the hospital, but Massey passed away the following day.

Gilbert has been sitting in county jail since November 16th, 2020. She is being charged with second-degree murder, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon with the intent to do bodily harm, and two counts of assault causing serious bodily injury. Her case has been delayed for multiple reasons such as change of attorney, a motion for competency, etc. The courts have further delayed the trial by continuously continuing the preliminary hearing. Her preliminary hearing has been continued four times and is now set for November 4th, almost a year after the murder of Massey. Currently she is facing twelve years in prison and may be acquitted. Which is why it is so important to show up and show the court that justice must be served. We cannot allow Gilbert to escape facing the consequences of her actions.

If you can, please show up at the federal courthouse located at 231 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226, on November 4th, 2021. If you cannot show up in support of Massey, please consider using your voice to spread the word and bring awareness to this case. Call the United States Attorney and ask to speak with General Saima Shafiq Mohsin. Request an investigation into potential witnesses who have offered to provide testimony, request that the MMIP coordinator get involved, and ask that he ensures there is improved, clear, frequent, and compassionate communication with the family from the MMIP coordinator and prosecution. The telephone number for the United States Attorneys Office is (313) 226-9100, and the TTD Line: (313) 226-0560