Man killed with hatchet

By Kathy Helms
Diné Bureau

FORT DEFIANCE — A beer party turned deadly Saturday after a fight broke out at the Iyanbito home of 22-year-old Benjamin Clyde Shirley, who died at the scene, according to Navajo police.

Another Iyanbito man was taken into custody on a Navajo Nation bench warrant following investigation by Crownpoint Police District Criminal Investigator Robert James, Patrol Officer Shawn Clark, the New Mexico Safe Trails Task Force, and FBI from Gallup Resident Agency office.

According to the report, officers were called to investigate after a physical fight broke out at the party among some of Shirley's friends, resulting in his girlfriend and a male individual leaving the residence.

Later, two other friends left but eventually returned to Shirley's home and attempted to start a fire by the doorway, causing smoke damage to the entrance door. They then left the residence.

Investigators said Shirley came out of the house and was outside, "running around, carrying a hatchet, trying to determine who is responsible for setting his doorway on fire." Next, they said, Shirley confronted three individuals who were walking toward the residence.

Though they tried to explain that they were not responsible for the fire but were only there to visit his dad, Shirley attacked the three of them by throwing the hatchet and going after Eric Saunders, 21, of Iyanbito with an edged weapon, according to the report.

Saunders and Shirley struggled over control of the weapon, resulting in Saunders receiving a severe cut on his left hand and Shirley receiving a blunt trauma laceration to his head and fatal stab wounds to his back and chest. He died at the scene.

Saunders left the area on foot but was later located at his home, where he was taken into custody.

Evidence stolen
TUBA CITY — News that Tuba City Detention Center is closing must have leaked out a little early, because some good Samaritan apparently decided to help them pack.

Sometime between last Thursday night and Friday morning, someone forced open the back door to the Criminal Investigations office and removed approximately 225 pounds of marijuana evidence in three vice cases. One office was searched but no property damage or other thefts were found. Tuba City Criminal Investigators Greg Secatero and Greg Adair are investigating.

Meth seized
CAMERON — The Tuba City Police District's Selective Enforcement Team seized 15.7 grams of methamphetamine following a traffic stop along mile post 466 on U.S. Highway 89 in Cameron.

According to Criminal Investigators, members of the team stopped the driver of a white-colored rental car for traveling 53 mph in a posted 50 mph zone. The driver, Walter Abe Blake, 30, 3720 E. Buena Terra Way, Scottsdale, Ariz., produced two different registrations on the same vehicle and acted nervous, according to the report. Police received consent to search and found two small bags of crystal substance in the center console next to the driver. Blake was arrested on tribal charges of criminal nuisance.

Deaths investigated
CHINLE — A Wheatfields man found Saturday by relatives on a forested ridge about a quarter-mile from his home is believed to have died from exposure, according to Chinle Criminal Investigator Louis St. Germaine and Patrol Officer Aaron Johnson.

Garrett Henderson, 38, whose address was given as 1/2 mile northeast of Wheatfields Chapter House, had been missing since Wednesday, Jan. 5. There was no evidence of foul play, according to investigators, who speculated that the victim might have passed out after consuming alcohol and succumbed to the cold temperatures for which he was inadequately dressed.

On Friday, the body of a Pion man who had been reported missing the day prior by family members was found about 1.5 miles east of Basha's in Pion.

According to Chinle Patrol Officer Cornelia Tso, Andrew Judy, 59, was found in an open area between Basha's and his residence, located 1/2 mile east of Pion Trading Post. Police say Judy died of exposure.

Pedestrians killed
KAYENTA — A 19-year-old Baby Rocks man died Monday after being struck by a van or sport utility vehicle on U.S. 163 near mile post 396.

Willis Natoni, whose address was given as 1 mile south of mile post 408 on U.S. 160, was walking home in the dark accompanied by another individual. Both were wearing dark-colored clothing and had been drinking prior to the incident.

Natoni was struck by a hit-and-run driver who had not been located at the time of the report. He was transported to Kayenta Indian Health Service Clinic where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Kayenta Criminal Investigator Rodger Yazzie and Patrol Officer Verna Nez investigated.

On Sunday, Jerome Begay, 47, of Hogback died after being struck by a 2000 Peterbilt semi while crossing U.S. Highway 491 on the north side of Shiprock near milepost 94.

According to Shiprock Criminal Investigator Sammy Ahkeah and Patrol Officer Jerry Benally, the victim died at the scene. The incident was not alcohol related, police said.