Body discovered in shallow grave

By Natasha KayeJohnson
Diné Bureau

The body of an older, non-Native man was found partially buried in this shallow grave on the side of a dirt road in Houck, Ariz., Thursday night. Navajo Nation Police, FBI agents and Apache County Sheriffs Officers all responded to the scene to investigate it. The Apache County Sheriff's Office has jurisdiction and will continue to investigate the suspicious death, but are waiting until an autopsy is complete before releasing any more information. [Photo by John A. Bowersmith/Independent]

HOUCK — Law enforcement officials are investigating the discovery of a dead body found buried in Houck.

Officials said the body is that of an older male, who appears to be non-Native.

The body was reported to the Navajo Nation police by local residents early Thursday evening after noticing that dogs were digging in the area.

"It had been buried, but it was partially exposed," said Travis Simshauser, Northern District Commander for Apache County.

The victim was buried in a shallow grave about two feet deep, and four feet wide between two cedar trees. It was buried just feet from a residential road less than a mile from Exit 348, off Interstate 40. When officials arrived, the upper portion of the body was exposed. The there was no identification on the body.

Officials are calling the case a murder investigation with suspicious circumstances. Investigators stayed overnight at the scene, until the area could be thoroughly investigated on Friday.

"There's no apparent injuries we can see at this time," said Simshauser.

Apache County deputy Richard Gwinn said the cold weather slowed the rate of decomposition. Investigators believe that the body was buried approximately one month ago.

According to residents, a few weeks ago, two white males were digging in the area, claiming that they were burying their dog. After initially receiving the call, Navajo Nation officials contacted the FBI. The FBI and Apache County became involved, and the FBI turned the case over to Apace County. Crimes involving non-Native individuals become the county's jurisdiction.

The body will be taken to Tucson for an autopsy.