Federal investigators have made a breakthrough in the cold case murder of a New Mexico musician who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Zachariah Shorty, a 23-year-old musician, was last seen alive on July 21, 2020, at the Journey Inn in Farmington, New Mexico. Shorty had gone to the motel to record music with a group of four other individuals.
The exact details of his disappearance remain unclear. Shorty's mother, Evangeline 'Vangie' Randall-Shorty, received a call from one of his friends around 11 p.m., informing her that Shorty had stepped outside to smoke a cigarette and never returned. When Randall-Shorty called Shorty's phone, the same friend answered and mentioned that Shorty had left his phone behind, which was unusual behavior for him.
Shorty's remains were discovered four days later in a field on the Navajo Reservation, 13 miles away from where he was last seen. The investigation revealed that Shorty had sustained gunshot wounds before being left in the field.
Despite the passage of time, Randall-Shorty recently received a call from the FBI indicating a new lead in the case. The FBI asked her about certain names, which she recognized. Subsequently, she provided additional information to the authorities based on a new tip she received.
Attorney Darlene Gomez, representing Randall-Shorty pro bono, expressed optimism about the case's progress. She highlighted the presence of witnesses in the hotel room where Shorty was last seen and emphasized the community's cooperation in providing leads. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses could also potentially aid the investigation.
The FBI, which has jurisdiction over the case due to the location of Shorty's remains, has refrained from commenting on the ongoing investigation. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to a breakthrough in the case and a subsequent conviction.
