Contributed Article/Courtesy San Carlos Apache Tribe
SAN CARLOS APACHE RESERVATION—The San Carlos Apache Council has suspended today’s Apache Independence Day celebrations in the wake of a weekend shooting death of a 16-year-old girl that has resulted in the arrest of one juvenile.
The shooting occurred Saturday night at Belvado Park in the Gilson Wash District. The victim died at 2 p.m., Monday.
“My prayers are with the family during their time of need,” said San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler. “I have trust in our law enforcement to bring all those responsible to justice.”
“Our officers are working diligently and as quickly as possible to identify all suspects in connection with the shooting,” San Carlos Apache Police Chief Elliot Sneezey said. “We will arrest everyone responsible for this senseless crime.”
The San Carlos Council suspended today’s celebrations to stem the tide of violence that has occurred at recent large gatherings. The council has also enacted an ordinance to regulate large residential gatherings. The ordinance is named “Dezirae’s Law,” in honor of the shooting victim who was a high school sophomore.
In addition, the Council has also commissioned a study of crimes that may justify banishment from the Tribe’s Reservation and/or disenrollment.
If you were present at the time of the incident or have any information that may assist investigators, please contact the SCAPD at (928) 475-1700. Tips can be sent anonymously online at https://tip411.com/landing/sancarlosazpd?iframe=true.
