True Crime Garage - Episode 847: The Still Unsolved Murder of Zachariah Jawan Shorty

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Hosts: Nic and the Captain

Introduction

In Episode 847 of True Crime Garage, hosts Nic and the Captain delve deep into the heartbreaking and still unresolved case of Zachariah Jawan Shorty—a young man whose life was tragically cut short under mysterious circumstances. This episode not only explores the details of Zach’s untimely death but also highlights the broader issues facing Indigenous communities in the United States, particularly concerning missing and murdered Indigenous persons.

Background of Zachariah Shorty

Zachariah Jawan Shorty, born on May 5, 1997, was a cherished member of the Shorty family in Kirtland, New Mexico. He was the youngest child of Evangeline Randall Shorty (affectionately known as Vanjie) and the only son of Myron Shorty. Zach had an older brother, Christian, and a sister, Katrina. Growing up, Zach was a vibrant individual with diverse interests, including football, chess, cooking, music—particularly rap and hip hop—and tattoo artistry.

Tragic Events in the Shorty Family

The Shorty family endured significant trauma in 2015 when Zach’s older brother, Christian, lost his life in a vehicle accident caused by drunk driving. Both Vanjie and Zach were present at the scene, an experience that left deep emotional scars. As Nic poignantly reflects, “Zach was very close with his family… he was a devoted father” (10:21).

Zach’s Struggles and Descent into Addiction

Following Christian’s death, Zach began to struggle with substance abuse, turning to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism. His dependency intensified, leading to legal troubles, including a 2019 arrest for trafficking controlled substances alongside his father. Zach’s battle with addiction was compounded by his ongoing grief and suicidal ideations, as described by the Captain: “He’s choosing and finding whatever comfort that is or whatever help that he can get…” (14:36).

The Events Leading to Zach’s Disappearance

On July 20, 2020, Zach attended a recording session at the Journey Inn Motel in Farmington, New Mexico. The gathering included four individuals—two men and two women—raising questions about their relationships and intentions. Tensions were evident as Zach’s mother, Vanjie, navigated the situation, trying to support her son while grappling with his volatile behavior.

At 4:00 AM on July 21st, Vanjie received a call from Zach requesting a ride. Over the next several hours, Zach and a woman identified as Kay seemed to oscillate between seeking support and indulging in further substance use. Nic captures the emotional turmoil when he states, “This is one of those horrific, horrifically sad situations” (16:21).

The Murder and Investigation

On the night of July 21st, Zach reportedly left the motel to smoke a cigarette and never returned. Despite multiple search efforts and unsettling communications—such as ransom demands for Zach’s release—the truth of his fate remained obscured. By July 24th, Vanjie learned that Zach had been found deceased, but crucial details were withheld, compounding the family’s anguish.

Questions arose about Kay’s involvement, especially after she claimed Zach never returned from his cigarette break. The Captain speculates, “This screams to me that these were young people that killed this young man” (62:30), pointing towards possible foul play among Zach’s social circles influenced by his addiction.

The investigation faced numerous hurdles, including jurisdictional complexities on Navajo Nation land and inadequate law enforcement resources. Vanjie tirelessly sought answers, uncovering that Zach had been shot seven times near the San Juan River, yet the perpetrators remained unidentified.

Zach’s Mother’s Advocacy

Tragically losing a second son propelled Vanjie into advocacy for missing and murdered Indigenous people. As Nick describes, “Zach's mother, Vanjie Randall Shorty, is her son's unshakable and relentless Advocate” (67:45). She has become a powerful voice, attending rallies, speaking publicly about her son’s case, and striving to shed light on systemic failures that leave Indigenous communities vulnerable.

Conclusions and Reflections

The episode underscores the dire need for systemic change to protect Indigenous communities from violence and neglect. Nic and the Captain emphasize the complexity of Zach’s case, intertwined with personal loss, addiction, and institutional shortcomings. As the FBI continues its search for answers, the community and listeners are reminded of the profound impact one life lost has on a family and the urgent necessity for justice and support systems.

Notable Quotes:

• Nick: “This is one of those horrific, horrifically sad situations.” (16:21)
• Captain: “This screams to me that these were young people that killed this young man.” (62:30)
• Nick: “And you can remember when you almost lost them or when you did lose them for a time period.” (35:23)

Crime Statistics Highlighted:

• In 2020, Farmington, New Mexico, where Zach was last seen, had a crime rate of 36 per 1,000 residents, ranking it higher than 92% of communities in the state.
• Violent crime was notably high, with a grade of D minus, emphasizing the hazardous environment surrounding Zach’s disappearance and death.

Call to Action

The FBI has issued a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Zachariah Jawan Shorty’s murder. Listeners are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-505-889-3130 or visit FBI.gov with any pertinent information.

For more details and ongoing updates, visit truecrimegarage.com.

Recommended Reading

"I Will Find You: Solving Killer Cases From My Life Fighting Crime" by Detective Lieutenant Joe Kenda
A gripping collection of detective stories from Joe Kenda’s illustrious career, offering insights and riveting tales that true crime enthusiasts will find compelling.

End of Summary

Time References:

• 10:21 Nick discusses Zach’s close bond with family.
• 14:36 Captain talks about Zach’s mental state.
• 16:21 Nic reflects on the tragedy of Zach’s situation.
• 35:23 Nick expresses his desire for Zach’s well-being.
• 62:30 Captain speculates on the murderers’ identities.
• 67:45 Nick outlines Vanjie’s advocacy efforts.

Note: Timestamps are provided to reference the original transcript sections where notable points and quotes were discussed.