The mother of a murdered New Mexico man is hoping this year will bring answers and her son’s killer to justice.
While standing at her booth Friday in the Exhibit Hall at CrimeCon Denver, Vangie Randall-Shorty told CrimeOnline that it has been five years since the murder of her son, 23-year-old Zachariah Juwaun Shorty.
She’s at CrimeCon to spread awareness about her son’s murder, and hoping a reward of up to $10,000, offered by the FBI, will help bring closure.
“I was invited by the family of Gabby Petito last year to CrimeCon in Nashville. I was on the panel with them and was able to share Zachariah’s story,” Vangie said, explaining that she not only seeks justice for her son, but is actively involved in helping others as well.
On July 25, 2020, a runner discovered Shorty’s body along a dirt pathway in Nenahnezad, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. He had been shot to death.
Four days earlier, he was at the Journey Inn in Farmington, New Mexico. Vangie had dropped him off at the motel to create music with friends.
Later that night, he failed to return to the motel, where he had been staying at the time. Vangie received a few calls from friends, telling her that he hadn’t returned.
The calls, according to Vangie, came from her son’s phone, which was unusual since he typically had his phone with him at all times.
Since his death, there have been no publicly-named suspects or arrests.
Last year, according to FOX News Digital, the FBI gave Vangie hope when they contacted her and asked her if she recognized the names of some people.
She recognized the names, but no arrests have yet been made.
“After the update from them (the FBI), I did get another tip, and I passed the information to them as well,” she told FOX News. “The same names keep coming up.”
Following her son’s death, Vangie became involved and continues to advocate for Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives Coalition (MMDRC).
“I became involved with MMDRC, which is a non-profit organization, as an Advocacy Coordinator. We support families of the Missing and Murdered. Some things we’ve supported and assisted with are marches, rallies, and candlelight vigils, donating to funeral/burial costs,” she told CrimeOnline.
“We also have a Missing Person’s Community Action Toolkit, which is to aid families through the process of locating a missing relative, how to work with law enforcement, and improve communication with all involved parties.
“CrimeCon in Denver, for us as an organization, was about bringing awareness in different communities and making connections. We want our Diné Relatives to know that we are here for support.
“I also wanted to see Gabby’s family and thank them for last year. I also hope we can collaborate with their Foundation.”
Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact the FBI at 505-889-1300 or online at tips.fbi.gov.
To learn more about the case, visit the “Justice for Zachariah” Facebook page.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: FBI]
