Missing
Tanya Teresa Begay
Begay, approximately 2017; Rose tattoos on Begay's breasts
Date and time person was reported missing : 03/03/2017
Missing location (approx) :
Tohatchi, New Mexico
Missing classification : Endangered Missing
Gender : Female
Ethnicity :
Native American
DOB : 12/20/1980 (40)
Age at the time of disappearance: 36 years old
Height / Weight : 5'5, 135 pounds
Distinguishing characteristics, birthmarks, tattoos
: Native American female. Brown hair, brown eyes. Begay has a scar above her left eyebrow and a small scar under her left eye, and her ears are pierced. She has the following tattoos: a rose on each breast, a feather on her left foot, and a music note behind her right ear. A photo of the rose tattoos is posted with this case summary. She wears a partial top denture plate, and either eyeglasses or contact lenses. Her nicknames are Span and Tan. Begay is of Navajo Indian descent.
Information on the case from local sources, may or may not be correct : Begay was last seen leaving her aunt's house in Tohatchi, New Mexico on March 3, 2017. She was en route from Leupp, Arizona to her family's home in Gallup, New Mexico, a drive of a few hours, when she stopped at her aunt's home. She left with her boyfriend, Jason Thornberg, has never been heard from again.
The vehicle she was driving, her aunt's 2004 red Dodge Neon with the New Mexico license plate number GWZ198, was later found abandoned. Thornberg was questioned by the police, then released. According to Begay's family, he was abusive towards her and has a history of violence.
Begay may still be in the Tohatchi area, or she may be in Albuquerque, Gallup, or Mentmore, New Mexico or Dilkon, Arizona. Her family stated she was close to her parents and frequently called and texted family and friends. She left behind two children and her case remains unsolved.
Other information and links : ncy
Gallup Police Department
505-722-2231
September 2021 updates and sources
The Missing Indigenous People of Canada & the US
Interactive Missing Person Search Map
