Account
Jan 28, 2026
Jan 28, 2026
Benita
Desiree Long
40
40
5'3 inches
130 lbs
Native American
Female
In the vast landscape of Washington, a 40-year-old Native American woman named Benita Desiree Long vanished, leaving behind a void of information and a family desperate for answers. On March 26, 2022, Benita was last seen by a relative who dropped her off at the El Corral Motel off Highway 97 in Toppenish, Washington. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, and carrying a black backpack. Later, she contacted her sister and mentioned she was in the Yakima, Washington area, but that was the last time anyone heard from her. Her family grew deeply concerned when they realized that the monthly payments she received as a member of the Yakama Nation had been left untouched in her account for two months, something unusual for Benita who, according to her cousin, relied on that income. Benita is described as being 5'3" tall and weighing around 130 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. She has several distinct tattoos, including the letters "NLP" on her forearm, the word "BORN" across the knuckles of one hand, and "SINR" tattooed across the knuckles of her other hand. Additionally, she has a scar on her chin and a large burn scar on her leg. Her case has been highlighted as part of the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, with Toppenish and the nearby Yakama Nation reservation being areas significantly impacted by this issue. The investigation into her disappearance, handled by the Yakama Nation Tribal Police, has been described as having gone cold with few details available. The narrative of Benita's disappearance is one of agonizing uncertainty for her loved ones. Her cousin, Loni Long, remembers Benita as a confident and outgoing person who taught her to be strong. The sudden silence from a woman who, despite struggles with addiction and occasional homelessness, would maintain contact with her family is a source of immense pain and worry. The lack of progress in her case underscores the challenges faced in addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. Benita's case is a somber reminder of a life interrupted and a family left in limbo, holding onto hope for her return while grappling with the scarcity of information surrounding why she is gone. The overview of the case reflects a heartbreaking story of a woman who vanished, and whose absence is a profound loss to her community and a stark example of a larger, systemic issue.
Mar 26, 2022
Toppenish
Washington
Toppenish
Yakama Nation Tribal Police
509-865-2933
05/30/2026
