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In a heart-wrenching revelation, Mo Brings Plenty, the star of the acclaimed series *Yellowstone*, has voiced his strong belief that his nephew, Cole Brings Plenty, was murdered. This tragic assertion comes after Cole’s body was discovered in a wooded area of Kansas in April 2024, mere days after his family reported him missing. The local authorities, however, maintained that there was no foul play involved, a conclusion that both Mo and his family vehemently dispute.
A Family’s Fight for Answers
Cole Brings Plenty, who was just 27 at the time of his death, was known for his role as Pete Plenty Clouds in the *Yellowstone* spin-off *1923*. His disappearance sparked a desperate search by family and friends, but it was the authorities’ response that has left them feeling disillusioned. In an interview with *The Hollywood Reporter*, Mo expressed his frustration over the investigation’s handling, stating, “For his murder to go uninvestigated, and for it to be written off as ‘no foul play,’ because they didn’t want to invest anything into it? It’s heartbreaking. We’re not letting it go.”
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office had initially reported no signs of foul play, leading Mo to question the thoroughness of their investigation. “Because we’re taxpaying people as well. So for them to not work for us, no different than how they work for anyone else is pretty sad,” he added.
Allegations of Neglect
Mo’s accusations extend beyond a mere lack of resources; he asserts that the police displayed a concerning lack of urgency in searching for Cole. He claimed that the authorities treated his nephew as a suspect rather than a victim during the investigation, saying, “In fact, they weren’t even really looking for him. They were hunting him.” This sentiment underscores not only a personal grievance but also a broader issue regarding how Indigenous cases are often treated within the justice system.
The Lawrence Police Department, responding to Mo’s claims, stated that they had provided the Brings Plenty family with a comprehensive presentation of the evidence, which included videos and witness statements. They maintain that the evidence clearly indicated Cole acted alone, a statement that the family has since contested. “Any confusion and speculation are a result of the family’s messaging,” the department remarked, adding that they would be willing to release a full report should the family consent.
Remembering Cole
Cole Brings Plenty was a promising talent, passionately engaged in preserving his cultural heritage through art and performance. Mo described him as “the future” of their people, noting that Cole was deeply connected to his roots, speaking their language, singing their songs, and embodying their traditions. This loss, as Mo articulated, resonates far beyond personal grief; it signifies a cultural void in their community.
Joe Brings Plenty Sr., Cole’s father and a leader within the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe, has also called for a thorough investigation. At the 2024 Red Nation Film Festival, he stated, “My boy, we have some work to do. We want a full investigation done, a fair investigation, to find out what happened with Cole.” This plea highlights not only the family’s pain but also a broader demand for justice and accountability within Indigenous communities.
Why it Matters
The tragic story of Cole Brings Plenty shines a stark light on the systemic issues facing Indigenous people in the pursuit of justice. It raises critical questions about how cases involving Indigenous individuals are investigated and the disparities in resource allocation that can occur. As Mo Brings Plenty continues to advocate for his nephew, the family’s fight underscores a larger movement for transparency and fairness in law enforcement—a movement that resonates deeply within the community and beyond. Cole’s legacy, as his family remembers him, is not just one of loss but also of resilience, a reminder that the quest for justice is a collective responsibility that must be upheld.
