More than five years after the tragic death of Navajo Nation member Zachariah Shorty, authorities have made significant progress, leading to the arrest of three men in New Mexico.

According to KOAT, Austin Begay, Jaymes Fage, and Joshua Watkins now face federal charges related to Shorty’s untimely demise. The charges include first-degree murder for Begay, concealment of a murder for Watkins, and aiding in the crime for Fage. These developments mark a crucial step toward justice in this long-standing case.

The case dates back to July 25, 2020, when a runner stumbled upon Shorty’s lifeless body on a secluded dirt path in Nenahnezad, New Mexico, within the Navajo Nation. The young man had been fatally shot, a crime that sent shockwaves through the community and left his family seeking answers.

Just days before the discovery, Shorty had been at the Journey Inn in Farmington, New Mexico. His mother, Vangie Randall, had dropped him off at the motel, where he planned to spend time creating music with friends. This poignant detail underscores the heartbreak surrounding his death and the lingering questions about what transpired during those final days.

Four days earlier, he was at the Journey Inn in Farmington, New Mexico. His mother, Vangie Randall, dropped him off at the motel to create music with friends.

Later that night, he failed to return to the motel, where he had been staying at the time. Vangie received a few calls from friends, telling her that he hadn’t returned.

AZ Central reports that Begay allegedly used a semiautomatic firearm to kill Shorty.

Both Begay and Fage are members of the Navajo Nation.

Federal agents joined the case as part of the FBI’s Operation Not Forgotten. According to Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Ryan Ellison, the operation provides “a fresh perspective and a new look at these cases that have been pending for quite some time.”

The Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Outreach Program was also utilized to assist in the case.

“The MMIP (Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons) Regional Outreach Program was created to ensure that cases like Zachariah Shorty’s never fade into the background and to show the impact that focused federal attention can have,” Ellis said.

During CrimeCon Denver last year, Randall told CrimeOnline that her son’s death led her to advocate for other families who have been affected by crimes.

“I was invited by the family of Gabby Petito last year to CrimeCon in Nashville. I was on the panel with them and was able to share Zachariah’s story,” Randall said.

“I became involved with MMDRC, which is a non-profit organization, as an Advocacy Coordinator. We support families of the Missing and Murdered. Some things we’ve supported and assisted with are marches, rallies, and candlelight vigils, donating to funeral/burial costs.”

Anyone with additional information on Shorty’s case is urged to contact the FBI at 505-889-1300 or online at tips.fbi.gov.

To learn more about the case, visit the “Justice for Zachariah” Facebook page.

Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: FBI]