Three men indicted in killing of Navajo citizen Zachariah Shorty
By Aliyah Chavez
Click here for updates on this story
FARMINGTON, New Mexico (KOAT) — After years of searching for answers, the family of Zachariah Juwaun Shorty, a Navajo citizen found dead five years ago, is finally seeing justice as three men have been indicted on federal charges related to his murder.
Shorty, who was last seen alive at a motel in Farmington, was found in a field with multiple gunshot wounds on July 25, 2020. His mother told KOAT she was informed of his death three days later.
Three men—Austin Begay, Jaymes Fage, and Joshua Watkins—are now facing federal charges in connection with Shorty’s death.
Begay has been charged with first-degree murder for allegedly using a semi-automatic weapon to shoot and kill Shorty, according to prosecutors. Fage is accused of aiding in the crime, while Watkins is charged with concealing the murder.
Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico Ryan Ellison’s office brought the charges, adding “… eventually, following a trial, hopefully [the office will] bring this person to justice and bring the family some closure,” Ellison said.
Shorty’s mother Vangie Randall-Shorty expressed her relief at the progress in the case, saying, “I’ve waited five years for this day.” She also shared her determination to never give up on her son.
Federal agents were brought in as part of the FBI’s Operation Not Forgotten, which aims to provide a new set of eyes on long-pending cases. “They bring a fresh perspective and a new look at these cases that have been pending for quite some time,” Ellison said.
If convicted, Begay and Fage face life in prison, while Watkins could face up to three years.
Begay is expected to stand before a judge for arraignment in federal court on Wednesday morning. The timeline for a trial remains unclear.
The FBI is urging the public to provide any additional information on Zachariah’s murder by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or submitting a tip online.
This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.
Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.