Laguna Pueblo residents are rallying around the Waconda family as they search for Brittany Starr Waconda, 28, and her boyfriend Joel Wade Scott, who both disappeared after a fire consumed Brittany’s trailer on May 18, 2026.
Family describes the day of the fire
According to the family, village officials saw Brittany and Scott outside her home around noon on May 18. Hours later, at about 11:30 p.m., an aunt returning home spotted the trailer ablaze. Police and firefighters responded, but the cause of the fire has not been publicly confirmed.
“She’ll come in, and she’ll joke,” sister Autumn Waconda recalled, noting that Brittany was usually present at family gatherings. Their mother, Antonette Alonzo, remembered her daughter as a skilled horseback rider who helped bring in cattle and described her as someone who loved people and treated everyone right.
Missing persons reports filed
After the fire, the family attempted to contact Brittany the next morning with no response. Two days later, Brittany’s father filed a missing‑person report. The family stresses that Brittany is not a runaway; she was close to her father and her 12‑year‑old son, and would not have left without contacting them.
Joel Scott vanished around the same time. “He deserves to be found, too,” Autumn said, urging authorities and the public to treat both disappearances with equal urgency.
Family’s concerns about the investigation
The Waconda family expressed frustration with what they describe as a lack of urgency and communication from law‑enforcement agencies. Autumn said the family has hired an attorney and is seeking additional investigative resources, believing that current resources are insufficient.
The Pueblo of Laguna issued a statement expressing sympathy and noting that they cannot share details that might jeopardize the investigation. The FBI has identified the Bureau of Indian Affairs as the lead agency.
Community efforts to keep the search visible
With a grant, the family erected a billboard along the interstate and distributed flyers, contacting missing‑person advocates and sharing Brittany’s story on social media. Autumn passes the billboard on her way to work each day, reminding herself and others of the ongoing search.
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Brittany’s location. Anyone with tips can call the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services Missing and Murdered Unit at 833‑560‑2065.
How you can help
If you have any information about the whereabouts of Brittany Waconda or Joel Scott, please contact the investigators immediately. The family remains hopeful that the case is solvable and urges the community to stay vigilant.
Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.
