Aubrey Dameron's life was marked by courage, identity exploration, and the pursuit of dreams. Born as Austin Dylan Joel Dameron on October 22, 1993, in Oklahoma to her mother, Jennifer Byrd, Aubrey faced numerous challenges throughout her life. From battling bullying to embracing her true identity as a Transgender/Two-Spirit individual, Aubrey's journey was a testament to her resilience. Tragically, her story took a dark turn when she mysteriously disappeared on March 9, 2019.

Aubrey's Early Life

Aubrey's upbringing was marked by both love and adversity. Growing up without her father, she shared a close bond with her uncle, Christian Fencer, who was more like a sibling than an uncle. Aubrey had a deep passion for rock and roll and nurtured dreams of becoming a singer or an actor. However, her kind and caring nature often made her a target for bullying, a struggle she shared with her close friend, Christian.

As Aubrey and Christian faced bullying together, they made a significant decision to come out as gay, bravely revealing their true selves. Unfortunately, this choice resulted in not only continued bullying at school but also within their community. Aubrey's aunt, Pam Smith, described the harsh reality of the homophobic slurs and even threats they endured.

Upon entering high school, Aubrey realized that her journey to authenticity was far from over. She came out as transgender and began her social transition. Christian reflected on this period, highlighting the challenges and eventual acceptance within their family and community. Moreover, Aubrey identified as "Two Spirit," a sacred status in Native American culture, reflecting her unique gender identity.

Despite the obstacles she faced, Aubrey continued to show remarkable courage and grace. She was a compassionate soul who never wanted others to feel lonely or out of place, mirroring her own experiences. Nevertheless, years of bullying, harassment, and isolation took a toll on her, leading her into a battle with drugs and alcohol.

A Fresh Start and Troubled Relationship

After graduating, Aubrey began dating Jay C Pierson, a man from New Mexico. Seeking a fresh start, she left her family and community behind and moved in with him. During this time, Aubrey continued her medical transition and underwent breast augmentation. However, life in New Mexico proved challenging, and she eventually returned to Oklahoma, driven by fear of Jay and his threats.

The Suspicious Disappearance

On March 9, 2019, Aubrey was last seen walking away from her home at approximately 3:30 AM. The rural area offered no nearby locations, making it unlikely she was attempting to reach a destination on foot. Astonishingly, her mother, Jennifer Byrd, and brother were the witnesses to her departure. They reported that she was dressed in black but left without her purse or essential medication for her epilepsy, a condition she had lived with her whole life.

Surprisingly, it took two days for Aubrey's family to report her missing to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office, marking March 11 as the official report date. Investigators initially did not view the case as suspicious, despite her leaving behind vital belongings.

A Disturbing Twist

A startling development occurred on March 12 when Deanette Rowbotham, a friend with whom Aubrey had fallen out, contacted Jay C Pierson, Aubrey's ex-boyfriend. She claimed Aubrey was being held captive in Ketchum, Oklahoma, due to drug-related debts. Deanette requested money from Jay to help Aubrey and even issued threats. Although this call was later revealed to be fraudulent, it added another layer of complexity to Aubrey's case.

The timing of this call, three days after Aubrey's last sighting and one day after her disappearance was reported to police, raised questions. It's important to note that Aubrey's closest relatives, Christian and Pam, only learned about her disappearance a week later.

Pam Smith, in her relentless pursuit of the truth, contacted the Delaware County Sheriff's Office and faced discouragement from Captain Gayle Wells. Despite this, Pam and Christian remained determined to find Aubrey. Two weeks after her disappearance, their efforts led to the first search for Aubrey Dameron, involving dozens of individuals and a dive team that searched nearby ponds.

A Troubling Discovery: During the search, a white sock with possible bloodstains was discovered about half a mile from Aubrey's home. This discovery puzzled investigators, as it did not align with the description of the clothing Aubrey was wearing when last seen. Unfortunately, DNA results from the sock were inconclusive, leaving more questions than answers.

Pam and Christian's interactions with the Sheriff's office became increasingly strained. Despite the potential significance of the jacket found near the suspected burial site, no substantial information emerged from it. Pam voiced her skepticism about the reliability of DNA testing.

In 2020, Aubrey's case took a significant turn when it came under the jurisdiction of tribal police and the FBI due to the McGirt Vs. Oklahoma case. The FBI reclassified the case as a homicide, and Shannon Buhl, Director of the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service, criticized the previous investigation, citing lost time and potential missed leads.

Unanswered Questions

Despite these developments, as of 2023, no one has been charged in Aubrey's disappearance or potential homicide. The investigation continues, with possible evidence on Aubrey's family property awaiting further examination.

Aubrey Dameron's story is one of courage, resilience, and the quest for identity in the face of adversity. Her mysterious disappearance remains unsolved, but her family, particularly her Uncle Christian and Aunt Pam, continue to seek justice and answers. Aubrey's story serves as a reminder that every life is valuable, irrespective of identity or background, and that justice must be pursued relentlessly.

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