Contents
The Unfortunate Event
On May 2, 2016, a tragic event unfolded that shook the Navajo Nation and the world at large. Ashlynne Mike, an 11-year-old girl, was kidnapped as she was heading home from school near Shiprock on the Navajo Nation. The innocent girl and her 9-year-old brother were tricked into getting into a van driven by a man named Tom Begaye. Her little brother was found hours later wandering the desert alone, but Ashlynne never made it home. According to KRQE News, police found her body the next day.
Ashlynne Mike’s Cause of Death
Ashlynne Mike’s cause of death was particularly horrifying. She had been sexually assaulted, strangled, and beaten with a tire iron. This brutal act of violence against a child sparked outrage and grief throughout the Navajo Nation and beyond. The CBS News reported that authorities had been searching by air and ground for Ashlynne Mike, who was a Navajo fifth-grader.
The Aftermath and the Conviction
The aftermath of Ashlynne Mike’s death was filled with sorrow and a desperate search for justice. The man responsible for this heinous crime, Tom Begaye, was apprehended and is currently serving a life sentence for the kidnapping and murder of Ashlynne Mike. The Office of Justice Programs confirmed that Begaye was indeed the perpetrator of this horrific crime.
Remembering Ashlynne Mike
Despite the tragedy, Ashlynne Mike’s memory lives on. Her family has been keeping her memory alive with an annual “Ashlynne Walk” where the community walks and runs in her honor. They have also been instrumental in getting legislation passed for “Ashlynne’s Law”, which advocates for having an Amber Alert system and training in place within the Navajo Nation when children are missing. This was not the case back in 2016 when Ashlynne was abducted.
Conclusion
The story of Ashlynne Mike’s cause of death is a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers that children can face. However, her legacy continues to inspire changes that aim to protect children and ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again. Ashlynne Mike will always be remembered as a beacon of light for all Indigenous children and their families.
