The Native American woman's body was found along the south shoulder of the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 64, near mile marker 29-1/2, approximately 7 miles east of Shiprock, N.M.
Evidence at the site indicates the vehicle may have been a 1999-2003 Dodge Ram truck.
From the FBI:
The FBI is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible for a hit-and-run crash that killed a woman on the Navajo Nation on or about April 4.
The Native American woman's body was found along the south shoulder of the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 64, near mile marker 29-1/2, approximately 7 miles east of Shiprock, N.M.
Evidence at the site indicates the vehicle may have been a 1999-2003 Dodge Ram truck.
The victim's body was believed to have been at the scene for several hours before being discovered by a school bus driver early on the morning of April 4.
The FBI is not disclosing the victim's identity at this time.
Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI (24 hours) at 505-889-1300.
The FBI and Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety are investigating.
(photo: crash debris from the scene, courtesy: FBI)
The Sheriff's Office Traffic Reconstruction Team responded to conduct the investigation into the fatal crash. Two persons on bicycles (an adult male and an adult female) were struck by a 2006 Ford Ranger driven by Jaron Todecheeny of Aztec, NM. Both bicyclists died at the scene.
As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.
The initial call was received at 5:23 AM. The individual was identified from video surveillance. The male was contacted by Durango Police Department Patrol and is now in custody. He has been identified as Joe Brinkerhoff, a resident of the City of Durango. Due to a prior incident, Joe Brinkerhoff was trespassed from the property and his Rec Center privileges were suspended.
After a thorough and ongoing investigation by detectives and working with the district attorney's office, a thorough review of the case was conducted, and the decision to proceed with criminal charges was made. A warrant was issued to charge Heather Fernandez-Hoefer. She was taken into custody without incident on April 1, 2025.
Upon arrival, deputies made contact with multiple individuals including juveniles and young adults and located a deceased individual identified as Samuell Tariq Liggins, age 20.