- Details
- By Darren Thompson
On July 26, 2021, Lee Michael Pahe of Fort Defiance, Ariz., was found deceased next to a water pump in Naschitti, New Mexico on the Navajo Nation. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the cause of Pahe’s death was a gunshot and his death is being investigated as a homicide.
On Wednesday, the FBI announced that the agency is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest, and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for the homicide of Lee Michael Pahe.
Pahe was 30 years old at the time and was last seen leaving a residence in Navajo, New Mexico, at approximately 2:00 a.m. on the day his body was discovered.
Please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov to report any information. An FBI poster is available at: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/seeking-info/lee-michael-pahe/download.pdf
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (December 14, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Wounded Knee Massacre Site Protection Bill Passes Congress
Two Murdered on Colville Indian Reservation
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher