FBI Seeks Information on Truck in Navajo Death Investigation

FBI Albuquerque Division
Public Affairs Specialist Frank Fisher
July 3, 2014

The FBI is releasing additional details on the death of a 21-year-old Native American man whose body was found on a road near Shiprock on the Navajo Indian Reservation on June 22, 2014.

A witness reported seeing a man run after a bright red GMC or Chevy pickup truck, possibly a 2012 model, with rims, tires, and a tailgate that were shiny, shortly before the man was discovered dead at approximately 9:26 p.m. on Mesa Farm Road, about six miles west of Shiprock.

The truck had a man and three possibly Native American women in the back and an unknown number of people in the cab, whose windows were tinted.

The witness described the truck as stopping and starting while the man chased it.

The location is known locally as the “second wash before the old end of the pavement.”

The man has been identified as Ryan Hill, 21, who lived in the area.

Authorities are investigating whether Hill was struck by or pushed out of a vehicle that did not remain at the scene.

It is not known at this time if the truck is connected to Hill’s death or if the occupants are potential witnesses.

Autopsy results are pending.

The FBI hopes the release of these additional details will prompt the public to come forward with information that may solve this case.

Investigators would like to talk to anyone who may know the owner or whereabouts of the truck or who may have been in the area around the time Hill’s body was found.

Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI 505-889-1300 (24 hours) or the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations Office in Shiprock at 505-368-1300.