Dateline Season 25 Episode 32 Under the Prairie Sky

Under the Prairie Sky is the 32nd episode of the 25th season of Dateline, a popular true-crime television show that investigates and reports on criminal cases. This particular episode delves into the mysterious death of Ashley Loring HeavyRunner, a 20-year-old indigenous woman from Montana who vanished without a trace in June of 2017.

The episode opens with stunning aerial shots of the Great Plains and the expansive prairie sky that stretches above them. Then, viewers are introduced to Ashley's family, who describe her as a loving and vibrant young woman who had a passion for rodeo and a talent for writing. They recall the last time they saw Ashley, and the eerie feeling they had that she was in danger.

As Dateline's investigators look into Ashley's disappearance, they discover a troubling pattern of missing and murdered indigenous women in the United States. The episode explores the cultural and historical context of this issue, explaining the systemic racism and neglect that have allowed violence against indigenous women to go unchecked for decades.

Next, Dateline interviews people who knew Ashley, including her friends and coworkers at a local youth center. They describe her as a kind and caring person who was passionate about helping others. The episode also introduces a group of indigenous women who have formed a search party to try and find Ashley, despite the lack of resources and support from law enforcement.

As Dateline uncovers more details about Ashley's final days, the tension builds. The show interviews people who saw her in the days leading up to her disappearance, including a man who claims to have given her a ride home from a party. The episode also reveals shocking information about the lack of follow-up by law enforcement, and the reluctance of some individuals in the community to cooperate with investigators.

Throughout the episode, viewers are kept in suspense as Dateline follows leads and uncovers new information about Ashley's case. The show creates a vivid picture of the rural Montana landscape where the search for Ashley takes place, emphasizing the isolation and vulnerability of indigenous women living in the area.

The episode also delves into the complexities of jurisdictional issues surrounding crimes committed on tribal lands, and the failures of the justice system in addressing crimes against indigenous people. Through Ashley's story, Under the Prairie Sky sheds light on a larger issue of systemic injustice and the need for systemic change.

In the end, Dateline leaves viewers with a sense of the devastating impact of violence against indigenous women and the need to continue searching for answers in Ashley's case. Under the Prairie Sky is a powerful and thought-provoking episode that sheds light on an urgent issue that too often goes ignored.