SHIPROCK, N.M. - The FBI has arrested 27-year-old Tom Begaye of Waterflow, New Mexico in connection with the death of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike, the agency reported Tuesday night.
The Navajo Nation public safety director says the girl was kidnapped from the reservation and found dead. Authorities say the girl was last seen Monday afternoon around 4 p.m.
The FBI released the following statement following the arrest:
A Waterflow, N.M., man was arrested Tuesday in connection with the abduction and death of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike.
Tom Begaye, 27, is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Paul Briones in Farmington on Wednesday.
Ashlynne's body was found Tuesday morning approximately 6 miles south of the Shiprock Monument. She had been abducted in the Fruitland area Monday afternoon.
The FBI is investigating this case with the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, New Mexico State Police, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Farmington Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service.
No further information will be released until after Begaye's court appearance.
The public is reminded that defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
Mike, 11, was kidnapped from the Navajo Nation in northwestern New Mexico and was found dead near the Shiprock community.
The FBI was searching for Mike, who was abducted by a man believed to be a stranger.
The San Juan County Sheriff's Office was looking for a maroon van that was last seen near Navajo Route 36 mile post 13. The make, model and license plate of the car are unknown. Authorities have released a photo of a similar vehicle.
If you have any information please contact the FBI at 505-889-1300 or if you wish to remain anonymous call Crime Stoppers at 505-334-TIPS(8477).
Earlier Tuesday, the FBI's 's Albuquerque office released a description of the suspect:
- Male between 20 and 30 years of age
- Light-skinned, Native American
- Tear drop tattoo under his left eye
- Both ears are pierced and he was wearing a necklace
- Last seen in a black shirt and blue pants
The Navajo Nation released the following statement earlier in the day on Tuesday:
According to the Shiprock Police Department, Ashlynne Mike, age 11, was found deceased today at 11:30 a.m. near the Shiprock pinnacle.
It was reported on Monday, May 2, that Ashlynne and her younger brother Ian, age 9, were abducted by a male driving a maroon van just north of Mile Marker 13 on Navajo Route 36 near the community of San Juan.
Mike’s parents filed a missing person report with the Shiprock Police Department at approximately 6:53 p.m.
On Monday, May 2 at 7:15 p.m., it was reported that a motorist heading eastbound on Navajo Route 13, near the Shiprock Pinnacle, picked up Ian Mike as he was walking along the highway. The motorist took the boy to the Shiprock Police Department.
Ian Mike told the Shiprock Police that driver who abducted the two children had taken them toward the Shiprock pinnacle where he came upon a dead end road and let the boy out. The abductor released the boy from his vehicle then proceeded on with Ashlynne Mike.
The abductor returned without the Ashlynne Mike and told the young boy to go home.
The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation along with United States Criminal Investigation are handling the investigation. The individual who abducted the two children is in the process of being located.
According to a press release issued by the FBI, the suspect is described as a light-skinned Navajo male in his late 30s, with short dark hair. He had a tear-drop tattoo under his left eye, and wore earrings in both ears, a long silver chain necklace, a gold watch, a black shirt, and blue pants.
The vehicle he was driving has been reported to be a maroon van with a luggage rack. The van is said to have no hubcaps, black rims and a broken front bumper.
At this time, the Office of the President and Vice President send their condolences to the family of Ashlynne Mike and would like justice to prevail on behalf of the victim and her family.
“We want to reassure the family that the Navajo Nation Police are conducting a thorough investigation in this case and will be working with the FBI to apprehend the abductor and bring him to justice,” said President Russell Begaye.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the FBI at 505-889-1300.
The Central Consolidated School District posted a statement about the discovery of Mike's body on their website:
"It is with great sadness and grief we mourn the passing of Ojo Amarillo Elementary student Ashlynne Mike. Our hearts are broken. Our students are family. Counselors from all of our Kirtland schools were at Ojo Amarillo Elementary Tuesday to speak with the students and staff about her passing. They will continue to be available to work with students and staff as needed. The District, which was part of a massive volunteer search team worked and will continue to work closely with the FBI, the New Mexico State Police, the BIA Police, the Navajo Nation Police, and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. We wish to thank our community partners for their efforts.
"In light of this incident, we are asking our parents to be with their children when their school bus picks-up and drops them off to help ensure their safety. Be on alert for any suspicious activity, if seen, please report to law enforcement immediately. I also ask our parents and staff to tell their children how much they love them. It is important to honor Ashlynne’s memory and for our students, parents, community members, and staff to continue to move forward with their lives. With Respect, Dr. Colleen W. Bowman, Superintendent."
