Navajo Mother Glad to See Federal Charges in Son's 2020 Killing

The Missing and Murdered Din Relatives (MMDR) Task Force and the 25th Navajo Nation Council have expressed their prayers and ongoing support for Vangie Randall-Shorty after federal authorities announced charges in the 2020 killing of her son, Zachariah Shorty.

After five years of advocacy, testimony, organizing, and prayer, Randall-Shorty learned that three people have been charged in relation to her sons death. She shared the news during a core meeting of the MMDR Task Force, expressing gratitude to the community that has supported her pursuit of justice.

My heart is heavy, Randall-Shorty said. But I will continue advocating for Zach and continue being his voice. After five years of fighting for justice, I am grateful for the charges filed against those involved in my sons case.

Federal authorities confirmed that the charges are connected to the July 2020 murder of 23-year-old Zachariah Shorty, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. The Department of Justice stated that three individuals now face federal indictments. Shorty was last seen at the Journey Inn Motel in Farmington, New Mexico, and was discovered a few days later near Nenahnezad with multiple gunshot wounds. Known for his creativity and love of music, he was both an artist and a devoted father.

Randall-Shorty noted that renewed federal initiatives in Indian Country, including the Department of Justices Operation Not Forgotten, helped move the investigation forward.

Vangie has shown a level of courage and resolve that has lifted not only her own family, but many others navigating the pain of missing and murdered loved ones. The progress in her sons case is a victory for the Navajo Nation and a message of hope for every family still searching for answers, said Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, chair of the MMDR Task Force.

Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton, also a Task Force member, highlighted the emotional strain families face when cases remain unresolved for years. She emphasized that Randall-Shortys perseverance embodies the resilience and unity of the Din people, and that achieving justice for Zachariah reinforces the broader mission of addressing missing and murdered relatives.

We remain fully committed to tackling the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous relatives and urge our federal partners to enhance their support. Communities need coordinated resources to prevent further violence, resolve long-standing cases, and provide families with the answers they have awaited for too long, stated Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

On July 17, Curley joined tribal leaders from the Coalition of Large Tribes in Washington, D.C., appealing to FBI Director Kash Patel for greater federal involvement in MMIP cases. Their proposals included improved information sharing, expanded law enforcement capacity, better forensic assistance, and the creation of rapid response teams to support families during the critical early hours of a disappearance.

Families seeking help or resources are encouraged to contact Task Force advocates or partner organizations, including Victim Witness Services for Northern Arizona, the Utah Navajo Health System, and the Missing and Murdered Din Relatives Coalition.

The MMDR Task Force and the 25th Navajo Nation Council reaffirm their support for Randall-Shorty and all families still seeking truth and justice.

Author: Connor Blake