Tanya Begay, a 36-year-old Navajo woman, went missing on March 3, 2017, from Tohatchi, New Mexico. She was last seen leaving her aunt’s house in the company of her boyfriend, Jason Alan Thornburg. The couple was traveling between Leupp, Arizona, and Gallup, New Mexico, when they made a stop at her aunt's home. After leaving, Tanya was never heard from again.
Her mother's last communication with her occurred shortly before Tanya's disappearance, when Tanya indicated she was in Leupp with Thornburg. Despite a search, her aunt's red 2004 Dodge Neon, which she had been driving, was later found abandoned, but Tanya's whereabouts remain unknown.
Thornburg, who had a history of domestic violence, including a recent incident where he assaulted Tanya, has become a key figure in her disappearance. He was later arrested in Texas in connection with the gruesome murders of multiple people, during which he confessed to having "sacrificed" Tanya, along with other victims. However, as of yet, he has not been formally charged in connection to her disappearance. Despite Thornburg’s confession, Tanya’s remains have not been found, and her case remains unsolved.
Tanya’s disappearance is one of many in the growing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women, highlighting concerns about inadequate investigation and resources allocated to such cases. Her family continues to seek answers and justice for Tanya, urging anyone with information to come forward.Last Seen: Mar 3, 2017
