Bellingham, WA. — The FBI Seattle Field Office, Lummi Nation Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bellingham Police Department are continuing a joint investigation into the disappearance of Lummi Nation tribal member Besalynn Mary James.
James was last seen on January 20, 2025, at approximately 1:16 p.m. at her residence in Bellingham on the Lummi Nation Indian Reservation. She was reported missing to the Lummi Nation Police Department on January 25, 2025.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for James’s disappearance.
“FBI Seattle’s missing persons cases are a high priority as we and our partners seek to uncover the answers that led to these painful disappearances,” said Jerald Burkin, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle Field Office. Burkin noted that investigators have conducted multiple investigative actions across several states over the past year and emphasized that authorities will continue pursuing the case regardless of how much time it takes.
James has known ties to Boise and Nampa, Idaho; Nyssa, Oregon; and Sacramento, California. At the time of her disappearance, she was believed to be wearing a black jacket. Investigators say she left behind her belongings, did not drive, and was known to rarely go anywhere without her dogs, which were also left behind.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the FBI’s toll-free tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), the FBI Seattle Field Office at (206) 622-0460, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov. Tips may also be provided to local FBI offices or the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
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