- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
SHIPROCK, N.M. — The Navajo Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public to locate Ella Mae Begay, who has been missing since Monday. She was reported missing on Tuesday, June 15, to the Navajo Police Department – Shiprock District.
Begay was last seen on Monday, June 14, near her home in Sweetwater, Ariz. driving a Silver 2005 Ford F-150 with ARIZONA license plate AFE7101.
Want more Native News? Get the free daily newsletter today.
According to the Navajo Police Department, 62-year-old Begay has a slender build, weighs approximately 110-120 lbs., is 5’-5’1” in height, and has brown eyes.
Over the last four days, local law enforcement and community volunteers have searched for Begay within a 9-mile radius around her home. Additionally, a Search Team Command Center has been set up at the Tółikan Chapter House.
On Thursday, a person of interest identified as Preston Tolth was arrested on Navajo Nation charges for an unrelated battery on a family member and was held at the Crownpoint Department of Corrections.
Tolth was also found to have outstanding warrants with the Farmington Police Department which resulted in extradition orders being approved by the Navajo Nation. Tolth is expected to be transported to the San Juan County Corrections facility on Friday evening.
He remains to be a person of interest in the disappearance of Ella Mae Preston. The Navajo Police Department Criminal Investigations, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, continue to follow leads in regards to the overall investigation in the disappearance of Ella Mae Begay.
Anyone who has any information regarding Ella Mae Begay’s whereabouts or has seen her vehicle, please call the Navajo Police Department Shiprock District at 505-368-1350, 505-368-1351, or 9-1-1.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
This Day in History – Dec. 26, 1862: 38 Dakota Men Executed by Order of Abraham Lincoln
Merry Christmas from Native News Online
Pechanga Donates Toys & Funds to ABC7 Spark of Love, Marine Corps Toys for Tots & MilVet
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
Right now, your support goes twice as far. Thanks to a generous $35,000 matching fund, every dollar you give during December 2024 will be doubled to protect sovereignty and amplify Native voices.
No paywalls. No corporate owners. Just independent, Indigenous journalism.
