Navajo family devastated by early release of man convicted in grandmother’s robbery
By Sasha Lenninger
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NEW MEXICO (KOAT) — Five years after Ella Mae Begay disappeared from the Navajo Nation, her family is devastated by the early release of Preston Tolth, the man convicted of robbing her and the last known person to see her alive.
Tolth, who told investigators he beat Begay, stole her truck, and left her on the side of the road, was released from federal prison on Monday, June 15. In May, a judge sentenced him to five years in federal prison, giving him credit for time already served. With good-conduct credits, Tolth became eligible for early release.
“We were hoping it was a mistake or a glitch of some sort,” Begay’s family said, describing the news as a painful reminder that five years after her disappearance, their mother is still missing.
“I should have been notified,” said Gerald Begay, Ella Mae’s oldest son. “For this to happen, it’s almost like a surprise attack on myself.”
The family learned of Tolth’s release not from the court or the government but through a text message from their attorney.
“She texted us saying, asking us if we knew, you know, that person was released, and we didn’t know,” Gerald said.
For years, Begay’s family has waited for answers, and now they are left processing the fact that the man connected to their mother’s final known hours is free.
“It’s horrible, and I want to bring her home,” Gerald said.
The family feels blindsided by a system they say has forgotten about them.
“It could happen anywhere. It’s not just the reservation. It’s not just our issues. I want people to be aware and just, to protect their families and themselves,” Gerald said.
Five years after Ella Mae Begay disappeared, her family is still searching for answers and waiting to bring her home. They say her case may no longer be in the headlines, but they refuse to let their mother be forgotten.
Until they learn what happened to Ella Mae Begay, they vow to keep speaking her name.
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