Murderer Of Navajo Girl Sentenced To Life

On Monday, Tom Begaye Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for the murder and sexual assault of 11-year-old Ashlynne Mike. Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye attended the sentencing and said the Nation has mourned the loss of Mike ever since learning of her horrific death last May.

“The sheer brutality of this crime committed against a child is so deplorable that it’s difficult to fathom justice in this matter,” President Begaye said. “Tom Begaye Jr. received life in prison today for the brutal murder and sexual assault of Ashlynne Mike. As the court presented the details of this tragic crime, it called into question if justice can truly be served in this case? No child deserves to die like this.”

During the proceedings, Mike’s mom Pam Foster said her life changed forever when her daughter was murdered. Foster said she has no pity for Tom Begaye Jr. and hoped that he would be prosecuted to the fullest extent.

“A part of me died with Ashlynne,” she said. “In the morning, I listen for her voice and my arms long to hold her. My angel did not deserve to die the way she did.”

Gary Mike, Ashlynne’s father, said that no family should ever have to go through what his family did in losing their daughter.

“We have to put an end to his intention,” Mike said. “We ask that he never sees freedom again.”

U.S. District Judge William P. “Chip” Johnson of the District of New Mexico presided over the sentencing and said the crimes perpetrated against Mike were so heinous that he was at a loss for words.

“It is my hope that the pain will diminish as time goes on,” Judge Johnson said.

Upon learning of Tom Begaye Jr.’s sentencing, Vice President Jonathan Nez extended furthered condolences and sympathy to the Mike family.

“Our children are gifts and when we lose a child, the whole Nation feels the impact,” Vice President Nez said. “This tragedy was felt beyond the borders of the Navajo Nation and today we are glad to know that this sentencing will start the healing process for everyone.”

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