Lah-huh-bate-soot Puyallup (1972 - 1997)

Born Jul 1972 in Washington, United States

Died 7 Aug 1997 at age 25 in Waipauhu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States

Biography

• In a period of Native American activistim, this child was given a traditional name that doesn't correspond with first-name last-name European/American cultural practices. This caused a problem when he was murdered in Hawaii; the coroner would not release the body to the family because their computer program required separate first and last names.
• He sometimes used the name Larry Red Eagle, called an "alias" by the authorities.
• His grandmother's ashes were buried in Lah-huh-bate-soot's casket with him.

Text of his death notice:

• Lah-huh-bate-soot, 25 year old Puyallup Tribal Member of the Spirithawk clan was heartlessly killed in Waipauhu, Hawaii, August 7, 1997. Complex, controversial, charismatic, "Lucky" touched many hearts. His Native Pride and courage during these last years earned him respect and two strikes. He would not tolerate anybody hurting or killing Indians. 300 years ago, he would have been a respected warrior. He was just born in the wrong century.
• Lah-huh-bate-soot tried to stay here with his family, but was constantly harassed by local law enforcement even when he was doing good. He chose to leave when the local law enforcement walked into his home and interrogated his 6-year-old daughter about "where is your daddy." To spare us, he left Tacoma, entering a life of hustling to survive. He had no fear. Those of us who love him feared constantly for his safety.
• He danced to a different drumbeat, but he danced so well. He was a singer and story teller with a perfect voice and memory. He prayed in sweat lodge and Native American Church and danced at powwows and modern dances. He was raised within the circle and grew up knowing the songs and dances. Everything he knew, he taught. Barely 18, he was an elder within the prison system, singing and teaching. He often cried for his friends who were still in cages.
• He was accused of many things, but never of being boring. Lah-huh-bate-soot was interesting and imaginative, loving and dear. He loved his see-yi-ya (relatives) and friends and always remembered to tell us he loves us.
• With the love and help of Piper-Morley-Mellinger, Puyallup Tribe and members, and too many friends to count, Lah-huh-bate-soot will finally come home to his family home....
• His daughter Eden seen the hawks dancing in the sky and believes her daddy will dance with them. We believe our spirit place just became more interesting because this world got duller and a lot lonelier.

Sources

• Red Eagle suspect tied to second slaying (Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Dec. 22, 1997)
• Personal knowledge (from the person who took the pictures)