Body of 11-year-old found, police search for suspect
WINDOW ROCK
The body of Ashlynn Mike, the 11-year-old girl who was abducted yesterday triggering an Amber Alert, was found earlier today.
Shawn Mike a relative of Ashlynn said that the family is taking it hard and is hoping the suspect is found.
“This is a complete shock,” said Shawn Mike during a phone interview. “We put trust in the Lord that he’ll make a way. For this individual to do what he did, you don’t know how cruel some people are. The cruelty to take this little girl when her life was just beginning.”
Ashlynn and her younger brother Ian Mike were taken by an unknown suspect reportedly driving a maroon van with tinted windows in Lower Fruitland Monday afternoon.
Ian was later found after it was reported he was able to escape. Shawn Mike said he spoke to Ian and told him to continue to pray .
“I talked to him and I encouraged him and said that, ‘God was with you and allowed you to escape,’ said Shawn.
Shawn Mike also said the suspect, who has been said to be a Native American man in his 30s, tried to also lure his son in his vehicle along with Ashlynne and Ian.
“He actually tried to entice my son to go also,” he said. “We need to better stress to children the importance of staying away from strangers.”
Mike said right now the family is in shock after they had been hoping for a better outcome. They will have a candlelight vigil at 6 p.m. at San Juan Chapter House tonight.
“If anything please keep the family in your prayers,” said Shawn Mike. “You can’t imagine this happening in your community so close to your home. The family is in shock.”
To read the full article, pick up your copy of the Navajo Times at your nearest newsstand Thursday mornings!
Are you a digital subscriber? Read the most recent three weeks of stories by logging in to your online account.