On May 10, 2022, Byron Begay, a 32-year-old resident of Churchrock, New Mexico, was fatally shot outside the Cliffside Apartments located at 602 Dani Dr. in Gallup. The incident occurred around noon, prompting a call to the Gallup Police Department based on eyewitness reports of a man being shot. Upon arrival, officers found Begay lying unresponsive in the road with at least two gunshot wounds to his torso area.
Despite administering CPR, Begay was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Begay's murder is ongoing, with the Gallup Police Department actively working to identify and apprehend the suspect. According to the police report, witnesses described the suspect as fleeing the scene in a white Ford Taurus with a New Mexico Chile license plate. The police have also provided a physical description of the suspect, believed to be a 'thin Native American or Hispanic male with a tattoo on his right forearm'.
Octavia Johnson, Begay's sister, has been vocal about her frustration with the pace of the investigation. She expressed that the community is aware of the identity of the person responsible for her brother's death but feels that the police are not making sufficient efforts to publicize this information or make an arrest. Johnson mentioned that her brother's friends had even followed the suspected murderer downtown, informing the police about the individual who was armed and walking in the area. However, Gallup Police Captain Billy Padavich emphasized that while the department appreciates any information from the public, they cannot condone family members or friends taking it upon themselves to locate the murderer, as this could hinder the official investigation.
Captain Padavich clarified that the police department is following standard procedure in handling the case. They have identified a person of interest and are awaiting the analysis of evidence from the labs in Santa Fe. Additional interviews with key witnesses are also pending, and the department plans to consult with the DA's office to determine the next steps. Padavich acknowledged Johnson's frustration but stressed that the investigation requires thoroughness to ensure that any arrest made is based on probable cause.
As of the latest updates, no arrests have been made in connection with Begay's murder. The police continue to track down individuals for interviews and are processing evidence, which includes material sent to the labs for analysis. The department is cautious about releasing detailed information to avoid obstructing the investigation or alerting potential suspects. Despite the ongoing efforts, the case remains unsolved as of the current date.
