NEWS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
Contact: Deleana OtherBull, (505) 243-9199 or [email protected]

CSVANW Extends Condolences and Support for Mike Family In Wake of Tom Begay’s Sentencing

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – October 20, 2017 – The Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women stands in solidarity with the family of Ashlynn Mike, an 11-year-old Shiprock girl who brutally murdered and sexually assaulted last year by Tom Begay, Jr.

As Begaye is sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole today, the Coalition extends its deepest condolences and support to not only the Mike family but all victims of sexual assault and murder in Native communities.

Although this sentence could never replace a child that was taken too soon, we are hopeful that it begins to bring closure to the Mike family. While a heinous and unconscionable act, the issue of murder and sexual assault on our reservations brought many conversations of better law enforcement coordination and the need for AMBER alert in tribal communities. It also united our nations, gave voice to our little ones and rise to a movement.

May we continue to remember Ashlynne so that in her we continue to bring our communities together for a safer tomorrow.

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