Still Missing AZ - Ella Mae Begay, 62, last seen @ home, POI named, Sweetwater, 14 Jun 2021

[5W's]

m Sweetwater, near Teec Nos , where her missing aunt lived and was last seen. In the Navajo Nation capital, Warren wanted to get tribal leaders' attention about Ella Mae and the lack of response to the case.

Now a year later, Window Rock is only a pit stop on the road to Warren's ultimate destination: Washington, D.C.

The disappearance of Ella Mae Begay, who was reported missing June 15, 2021, from Sweetwater, captured national attention due in part to Warren's determination to bring focus to the case by showing up and speaking out.

Warren’s criticism of law enforcement, including the Navajo Nation police, Navajo Criminal Investigators and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sheds light on her experiences with law enforcement agencies, which seemed to work separately from one another, creating more obstacles when it comes to missing-persons cases on the Navajo Nation.

“I still feel helpless,” said Warren. “The only time I feel better is when I'm doing something for my aunt.”

A Navajo woman is walking to Washington, D.C., to focus attention on her missing aunt

Seraphine Warren walked to the Navajo Nation capital a year ago, but her aunt's missing persons case is unsolved, so she's taking her message farther.

www.azcentral.com

Its very important that she's bringing much needed attention to her aunt's case. The more she can keep it in the public's awareness the better it is as it hopefully could lead to tips. Sometimes all it takes is one crucial tip.

 

[CastlesBurning]

List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation | Federal Bureau of Investigation

 

[5W's]

List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation | Federal Bureau of Investigation

I've never really thought about listing by race missing people, especially by major agencies such as the FBI. But if one thinks about it at a deeper level rather than at first glance in a way its like someone going missing because of their female gender, or other group, male homeless, so I see the relevance. Whatever can help find people. By the way often people wonder why its necessary to group by the investigative agency/cies so I wanted to bring that up. Its a matter of finding the missing.

 

[CastlesBurning]

I've never really thought about listing by race missing people, especially by major agencies such as the FBI. But if one thinks about it at a deeper level rather than at first glance in a way its like someone going missing because of their female gender, or other group, male homeless, so I see the relevance. Whatever can help find people. By the way often people wonder why its necessary to group by the investigative agency/cies so I wanted to bring that up. Its a matter of finding the missing.

If you Google the subject, there's a lot online about how disproportionately many Native Americans are missing, and don't get enough media coverage. So it would seem that the FBI is putting forward special effort toward bridging the gap.

 

[CastlesBurning]

Ella Mae Begay – The Charley Project

• Missing Since 06/15/2021
• Missing From Sweetwater, Arizona
• Classification Endangered Missing
• Sex Female
• Race Native American
• Date of Birth 07/21/1958 (64)
• Age 62 years old
• Height and Weight 5'0 - 5'1, 110 - 120 pounds
• Associated Vehicle(s) Silver 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck with the Arizona license plate number AFE7101
• Distinguishing Characteristics Native American female. Brown hair, brown eyes. Begay is of Navajo descent. She wears eyeglasses. Her ears are double-pierced.

Details of Disappearance​

Begay was last seen at her home in Sweetwater, Arizona on June 15, 2021. She lived alone in a rural area ten miles off the highway, and one of her daughters lived about fifty yards away. She had recently installed solar panels on her house and this was her only source of electricity. She was noted in the community as an accomplished weaver of traditional Navajo rugs.

Begay's truck was seen pulling away from her home about 2:30 a.m. She described as a cautious person and it's uncharacteristic of her to leave home in the middle of the night. She has never been heard from again, and the door to her home was discovered to have been kicked open. Her daughter reported her missing at 10:55 a.m. that same day.
Her silver 2005 Ford F-150 pickup truck with the Arizona license plate number AFE7101 disappeared with her and has not been found; a photo of a similar vehicle is posted with this case summary.

Investigators believe Begay was the victim of foul play, and her case is being investigated as a homicide. A person of interest, Preston Tolth, was arrested on June 17 on unrelated charges of battery to a family member, and was questioned about Begay's disappearance after his arrest. No charges have been filed in Begay's case, however. A photo of Tolth is posted with this case summary.

Investigating Agency​

• Navajo Nation Police Department - Shiprock District 505-368-1350

Source Information​

• NamUs
• Fox 10 Phoenix
• Facebook Page for Ella Begay
• The Arizona Republic
• KOB 4
• Navajo Police Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation

 

[PommyMommy]

OCT 14, 2022

Navajo Woman Is Walking from Arizona to DC to Raise Awareness for Missing Indigenous Women, Including Her Aunt

After a 2,400-mile trek on foot, a Navajo woman whose aunt vanished over a year ago, arrived in Washington D.C., on a mission: to call attention to the growing number of murdered and missing Indigenous women whose cases go unsolved.

people.com

After a 2,400-mile trek on foot, a Navajo woman whose aunt vanished over a year ago, arrived in Washington D.C. on a mission: to call attention to the growing number of murdered and missing Indigenous women whose cases go unsolved.

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 63-year-old Ella Mae Begay disappeared from Sweetwater, Ariz., on June 15, 2021.

[...]

"She never came back. She would not answer her phone calls or nothing," her niece Seraphine Warren, who started walking on the anniversary of Begay's disappearance this year, told the outlet in June. "They said it seems like she left willingly."

[...]

With a prayer staff in hand, the four-month journey to the nation's capital, during which Warren endured an ankle injury and a dog bite, wasn't easy. She told The Washington Post she cycled through 15 pairs of running shoes and braved the elements — both the blistering heat and the biting cold.

[...]

Finally on Tuesday, Warren met with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, according to the outlet, who "generally listened" to her concerns.

Warren demanded lawmakers probe the tribal police's handling of missing and murdered persons cases, as well as provide support and resources to grieving families.

"We need search and rescue teams," she told The Washington Post. "We need equipment like ATVs, drones, helicopters, sonar for water. We have families on foot searching. We need cadaver dogs. We need funding for billboards and rewards. We need our own medical examiners. Our tradition calls for burying our loved ones within four days and we can't."

[...]

 

[5W's]

OCT 14, 2022

Navajo Woman Is Walking from Arizona to DC to Raise Awareness for Missing Indigenous Women, Including Her Aunt

After a 2,400-mile trek on foot, a Navajo woman whose aunt vanished over a year ago, arrived in Washington D.C., on a mission: to call attention to the growing number of murdered and missing Indigenous women whose cases go unsolved.

people.com

After a 2,400-mile trek on foot, a Navajo woman whose aunt vanished over a year ago, arrived in Washington D.C. on a mission: to call attention to the growing number of murdered and missing Indigenous women whose cases go unsolved.

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 63-year-old Ella Mae Begay disappeared from Sweetwater, Ariz., on June 15, 2021.

[...]

"She never came back. She would not answer her phone calls or nothing," her niece Seraphine Warren, who started walking on the anniversary of Begay's disappearance this year, told the outlet in June. "They said it seems like she left willingly."

[...]

With a prayer staff in hand, the four-month journey to the nation's capital, during which Warren endured an ankle injury and a dog bite, wasn't easy. She told The Washington Post she cycled through 15 pairs of running shoes and braved the elements — both the blistering heat and the biting cold.

[...]

Finally on Tuesday, Warren met with Interior Secretary Deb Haaland, according to the outlet, who "generally listened" to her concerns.

Warren demanded lawmakers probe the tribal police's handling of missing and murdered persons cases, as well as provide support and resources to grieving families.

"We need search and rescue teams," she told The Washington Post. "We need equipment like ATVs, drones, helicopters, sonar for water. We have families on foot searching. We need cadaver dogs. We need funding for billboards and rewards. We need our own medical examiners. Our tradition calls for burying our loved ones within four days and we can't."

[...]

Its sad the original intention was to have tribal police do what they were suppose to do but as Seraphine Warren has had to complete this walk it shows the complications of the situation with the tribal police force/s. Maybe sometimes its not not as simple as just having the force in place. Maybe it requires a different approach afterall it is a matter of life/death. IDK maybe its a small town mentality where its not us but the outsiders that create havoc. Perhaps a different outlook but of course something does need to change, however. The fact that Ella Mae is missing for so long is awful as with other cases not just Ella Mae's.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

FBI offers reward for info on missing Navajo woman; family, friends want authorities to do more

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Charges have now been filed in the case of a Navajo woman who has been missing for nearly two years. Ella Mae Begay vanished from her Sweetwater home on the Navajo Nation back in June 2021. Now, the U.S. Attorney's Office has announced that 23-year-old Preston Tolth has been indicted by a grand jury in connection to her disappearance. MORE: http://bit.ly/3KBK1Wg

 

[imstilla.grandma]

The charges also allege that Tolth took the woman's Ford F150 pickup truck and transported it across state lines with the intent to cause death or serious injury to the woman, Varela said.

The woman was identified as 62-year-old Ella Mae Begay by her family's attorney in a Tuesday Facebook post.

Charges brought in Navajo Nation missing persons investigation

The woman was identified as 62-year-old Ella Mae Begay by her family's attorney.

www.azcentral.com

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 6, 2023

Man charged in case of Ella Mae Begay, Navajo woman who disappeared in 2021

The investigation into Begay's disappearance is part of the Department of Justice's efforts to address cases involving missing and murdered Native Americans.

www.cbsnews.com

A federal grand jury has indicted a New Mexico man on assault and carjacking charges ...

The indictment naming Preston Henry Tolth, 23, was unsealed Tuesday. He is scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate Friday in northern Arizona for a detention hearing and formal arraignment.

[...]

New Mexico court records show Tolth has a criminal history that includes charges of aggravated battery, resisting arrest, residential burglary and drug possession that date back to 2019. He already was in custody pending the outcome of a 2022 case in which he was accused of stealing a man's wallet while armed with some kind of sharp weapon, court records show.

[...]

 

[PommyMommy]

APR 7, 2023

US authorities charge man in case of missing Navajo woman

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — A New Mexico man is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on assault and carjacking charges in connection with the 2021 disappearance of a Native American woman , whose case has garnered national attention as tribal leaders and law enforcement address an epidemic of missing...

apnews.com

A New Mexico man is scheduled to be arraigned Friday on assault and carjacking charges in connection with the 2021 disappearance of a Native American woman, whose case has garnered national attention as tribal leaders and law enforcement address an epidemic of missing person cases and unsolved slayings in Indian Country.

Preston Henry Tolth, 23, has been accused of assaulting Ella Mae Begay and taking her pickup truck. It will be up to a federal magistrate to decide whether Tolth will remain in custody pending trial.

[...]

 

[imstilla.grandma]

A New Mexico man was in court Friday on assault and carjacking charges in connection with the 2021 disappearance of Native American woman Ella Mae Begay, whose case has garnered national attention as tribal leaders and law enforcement address an epidemic of missing person cases and unsolved slayings in Indian Country.

Federal prosecutors said the indictment naming Preston Henry Tolth marked an important step in determining the truth about what happened to Begay, a Navajo woman who was 62 when she disappeared. Her truck was seen on the morning of June 15, 2021, leaving her home in the remote community of Sweetwater in the Navajo Nation, not far from the meeting point of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado.

Navajo PD seeking information on 82 missing person cases

On Friday, the Navajo Police Department released its updated list showing 82 people who are currently missing, with some missing since the 1970s, including 24 females and 58 males.

www.abc15.com

 

[PommyMommy]

USA v. Tolth
Criminal Court Docket Sheet​

District of Arizona​

3:2023-cr-08043-1328183 (azd)

04/04/2023
MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles: Initial Appearance as to Preston Henry Tolth held on 4/4/2023. Oral Motion to Unseal Case by Government granted. NO FINANCIAL AFFIDAVIT TAKEN. DEFENDANT SWORN AS TO FINANCIAL STATUS. Appointing Luke Stephen Mulligan (AFPD) for Preston Henry Tolth. Arraignment and Detention Hearing set for 4/7/2023 at 10:45 AM in U.S. District Court of Arizona, 123 N. San Francisco Street, Suite 200, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 before Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles. (Recorded by COURTSMART.) Hearing held 11:01 AM to 11:07 AM.

04/03/2023
Arrest of Preston Henry Tolth on 4/3/2023. (Text entry; no document attached.)

https://www.docketbird.com/court-cases/USA-v-Tolth/azd-3:2023-cr-08043-1328183

 

[Tricia]

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[PommyMommy]

APR 11, 2023

US judge orders man held in case of missing Navajo woman

A New Mexico man will remain in federal custody pending trial on charges that stem from the 2021 disappearance of a Ella Mae Begay.

www.12news.com

Prosecutors outlined the allegations against Preston Henry Tolth, 23, after he entered not guilty pleas to assault and carjacking charges that stemmed from Begay's disappearance. The indictment naming Tolth had been under seal until earlier this week.

Tolth was ordered to remain in custody pending trial after U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille Bibles determined that he was dangerous and that no conditions of release would guarantee the community's safety.

“The proffered facts of the case are extremely concerning,” the judge said. “They involve senseless acts of extreme violence against a victim who was defenseless.”

APR 13, 2023

Tolth pleads not guilty in disappearance of Ella Mae Begay - Navajo Times

Begay of Sweetwater, Arizona, was reported missing from her home in June 2021. Family members immediately launched several search parties for their relatives, using social media platforms to seek the public’s help.

navajotimes.com

Preston Henry Tolth sat quietly in Flagstaff U.S. District Court on Friday as his attorney entered his plea of not guilty on charges of assault and carjacking concerning the disappearance of Ella Mae Begay.

Several of Begay’s family and friends, including her son, GB, and niece, SW, entered the courtroom quietly filling all four rows of seating greeting and embracing each other, awaiting the coming moments.

[...]

 

[Knox]

Several of Begay’s family and friends, including her son, Gerald Begay, and niece, Seraphine Warren, entered the courtroom quietly filling all four rows of seating greeting and embracing each other, awaiting the coming moments.

Begay of Sweetwater, Arizona, was reported missing from her home in June 2021. Family members immediately launched several search parties for their relatives, using social media platforms to seek the public’s help.

Tolth pleads not guilty in disappearance of Ella Mae Begay - Navajo Times

Begay of Sweetwater, Arizona, was reported missing from her home in June 2021. Family members immediately launched several search parties for their relatives, using social media platforms to seek the public’s help.

navajotimes.com

 

[PommyMommy]

MAY 5, 2023

https://www.newsnationnow.com/missing/ella-mae-begay/

[...]

As Begay’s family waits for the trial, they hope they will eventually get answers to bring Begay home.

Warren still feels her aunt’s presence everywhere.

“I keep seeing the same bird, the same bird, and it’s the color of her hair. It makes me feel better to know, know what she’s always flying around me,” Warren said.

Tolth has pleaded not guilty. His trial is set to begin in July and he could face up to 35 years in prison if he is convicted.

 

[PommyMommy]

USA v. Tolth
Criminal Court Docket Sheet​

District of Arizona​

3:2023-cr-08043-1328183 (azd)

19
04/26/2023 ORDER granting [18] First Motion to Continue Trial and Extend Time to File Pretrial Motions filed as to Preston Henry Tolth (1). Jury Trial reset for 7/5/2023 at 09:00 AM before Judge Douglas L Rayes. Motions due by 6/14/2023. Signed by Judge Douglas L Rayes on 4/26/2023.
18
04/21/2023 First MOTION to Continue Trial and Extend Time to File Pretrial Motions by Preston Henry Tolth.
1 Attachment ▼
17
04/21/2023 NOTICE OF FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER SUBSTITUTION: James Rael appearing for Preston Henry Tolth.
16
04/19/2023 TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by USA as to Preston Henry Tolth for proceedings held on 4/07/2023, Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles hearing judge(s).
15
04/12/2023 TRANSCRIPT REQUEST (3rd PARTY/MEDIA) by Anya Schultz of Gimlet Media as to Preston Henry Tolth for proceedings held on 04/07/2023, Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles hearing judge(s).
14
04/11/2023 NOTICE OF FILING OF OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT of ARRAIGNMENT AND DETENTION HEARING proceedings as to Preston Henry Tolth held on 04/07/2023, before Magistrate Judge CAMILLE D. BIBLES. [Transcriber: Christine M. Coaly, Telephone number (602) 322-7248]. The ordering party receives the transcript directly from the Court Reporter. Therefore, transcripts should not be viewed through Pacer. A non-ordering party may view a transcript at the court's public terminal or purchased through the Court Reporter/Transcriber by filing a Transcript Order Form on the docket before the deadline for Release of Transcript Restriction. After that date it may be obtained through Pacer. Redaction Request due 5/2/2023. Redacted Transcript Deadline set for 5/12/2023. Release of Transcript Restriction set for 7/10/2023.
13
04/11/2023 TRANSCRIPT REQUEST by Preston Henry Tolth for proceedings held on 4/7/2023, Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles hearing judge(s).
12
04/11/2023 NOTICE OF FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER SUBSTITUTION: Jane L. McClellan appearing for Preston Henry Tolth. Attorney Luke Stephen Mulligan terminated.
11
04/07/2023 ORDER OF DETENTION pending trial as to Preston Henry Tolth. Signed by Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles on 4/7/23.
10
04/07/2023 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Magistrate Judge Camille D Bibles: Arraignment as to Preston Henry Tolth held on 4/7/2023, see attached minute entry. Defendant(s) state true name to be the same. Defendant enters plea of NOT guilty to all pending counts. Detention Hearing held on 4/7/2023. Defendant ordered detained pending trial as a flight risk and a danger. Motions due by 4/28/2023. Jury Trial set for 5/2/2023 at 09:00 AM in Courtroom 606, 401 West Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85003 before Judge Douglas L Rayes. (Recorded by COURTSMART.) Hearing held 10:58 AM to 11:30 AM.

https://www.docketbird.com/court-cases/USA-v-Tolth/azd-3:2023-cr-08043-1328183

 

[PommyMommy]

JUL 8, 2023

Local nonprofit helping search for Ella Mae Begay

4Corners K-9 Search and Recue looking for clues to give Begay family closure.

www.koat.com

[...]

Her family is still waiting for answers and now asked a local nonprofit for help.

"I'm going to say over 40 items because they did pick up some bones in areas that we took, and we put it aside," said Bernadine Biel, the founder of 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue. "I had the dogs check them to see if they had any indication, any of those bones, and none of them indicated anything."

[...]

"We would focus on Route 5 because there's an officer with the missing persons unit out of Crown Point. He had already planned on searching Route 5 like a few months ago," said Biel.

The group of roughly 20 volunteers searched the 28-mile stretch and found several items, from phones to clothing and jewelry.

"We're looking for eyeglasses because Ella Mae wore eyeglasses. We focused on her size of clothing, and then we focused on cell phones and shoe size. Her shoe size is what we focused on, and that's what helped move the search along a little quicker," said Biel.

[...]

To learn more about Corners K-9 Search and Rescue, click here.