- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is running a radio ad in the Navajo language to call attention to unsolved homicide and missing person cases from the largest Native American reservation in the country.
The 60-second ad has been airing twice daily since April 14 on KTNN, a Navajo language AM radio station broadcasting from Window Rock, Ariz.
The spot will run until May 15.
Listen:
The ad features a plea from the mother of Lee Michael Pahe, a resident of Fort Defiance, Ariz., who was found fatally shot in Naschitti, N.M., on July 26, 2021.
"You don't have to understand Navajo to feel the emotion of the mother who speaks about the loss of her son in this ad," Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division said. "Violent crime affects everyone the same way, and everyone deserves justice. We hope the Diné who hear this suffering relative will come forward if they have any information about her case or the others the FBI and our Navajo Nation law enforcement partners are investigating."
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever was responsible for his killing.
"My son was a father and he was married," Sharon Lee-Begay says in Navajo. "All of you who are listening, if you heard anything, if you know anything, or saw anything, please call the FBI … I’m relying wholeheartedly on all of you who are listening, on your compassion. I am hoping that you will help me."
This is the latest FBI initiative working to solve Navajo Nation cold cases. In March 2020, the FBI field offices in Albuquerque and Phoenix began issuing posters in the Navajo language, asking for information about more than a dozen unsolved homicide and missing person cases.
Last February, the FBI started including audio clips in Navajo with the posters.
An FBI poster on Lee Michael Pahe can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/lee-michael-pahe/download.pdf
FBI posters on other unsolved Indian Country cases can be found at: https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/albuquerque/wanted
The ad also gives the FBI's toll-free number for tips: 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsNative News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Forwards Patrice Kunesh's Nomination to Chair The National Indian Gaming Commission to Senate for a Vote
Tribal Leaders Press Lawmakers for Solutions to Solve MMIW Crisis
Mary Peltola, First Alaska Native Member of Congress, Defeated by Trump-backed Candidate Nick Begich
Support Independent Indigenous Journalism That Holds Power to Account
With the election now decided, Native News Online is recommitting to our core mission: rigorous oversight of federal Indian policy and its impact on tribal communities.
The previous Trump administration’s record on Indian Country — from the reduction of sacred sites to aggressive energy development on tribal lands — demands heightened vigilance as we enter this new term. Our Indigenous-centered newsroom will provide unflinching coverage of policies affecting tribal sovereignty, sacred site protection, MMIR issues, water rights, Indian health, and economic sovereignty.
This critical watchdog journalism requires resources. Your support, in any amount, helps maintain our independent, Native-serving news coverage. Every contribution helps keep our news free for all of our relatives. Please donate today to ensure Native News Online can thrive and deliver impactful, independent journalism.
