Family of Tsayatoh shooting victims ask for privacy

WINDOW ROCK

The man who took the lives of three people and critically injuring a woman is identified as Anthony Bahe, according to an anonymous source familiar with the incident.

While the investigation into the shooting continued, the family of the three victims who were shot and killed early Tuesday morning in Tsayatoh, New Mexico, during a domestic violence dispute have requested the public to respect their privacy during their time of devastating grief.

Navajo Nation police were dispatched to the disturbance. When they arrived, they found four people all fatally shot inside the home. One of the deceased, they said, was Bahe, who committed suicide after gunning down the three adults.

A fifth person, a woman, was critically injured from multiple gunshot wounds. She was flown to the UNM Hospital in Albuquerque where she is in critical condition.

On Tuesday afternoon, Navajo Nation leadership offered condolences to the families of the victims.

“Today, our thoughts and prayers go out to the community of Tsayatoh and to the families of the loved ones who lost their lives in the shooting that occurred on the Navajo Nation early this morning,” President-elect Jonathan Nez wrote Tuesday evening.

“Let’s come together in prayer on behalf of these families and respect their privacy in this time of great loss,” said President Russell Begaye.

According to Navajo Nation Police Chief Phillip Francisco, there was a boyfriend-girlfriend type relationship and the incident occurred at the girlfriend’s residence.

The small community’s chapter house, which is located west of Gallup, was closed on Tuesday.

Law enforcement officials said the shooting was being treated “an act of domestic violence.”

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Seth Damon, who represents the community, wrote in a short statement asking the Navajo Nation to keep the victims in their prayers and thoughts.

“On behalf of the Council and our communities, I offer my condolences to everyone who lost a loved one today,” he said.

New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas said he was “saddened” about the shooting.

“Our Native American communities are among the most beautiful in New Mexico, and they deserve safety and security,” he wrote.

The names of the victims were not released as police continue with their investigations.

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