Native American Girl Was Bludgeoned To Death

The 27-year-old suspect says he planned to rape the schoolgirl, but battered her with a tyre iron because she was crying.

Ashlynne Mike's body was found on Tuesday

By Sky News US Team

A stranger lured an 11-year-old Native American into his van with the promise of a movie before bludgeoning her to death with a crowbar, police have said.

Tom Begaye, 27, has
appeared before a New Mexico magistrate in shackles to be arraigned on murder and kidnapping charges.
He allegedly abducted Ashlynne Mike and her nine-year-old brother from the Navajo reservation on Monday afternoon.
People outside the court in Farmington shouted "b******" and "go to hell" as the defendant, a member of the Navajo Nation, was driven away by authorities after the hearing.

Begaye allegedly said Ashlynne was still moving when he left her for dead

Ashlynne and her brother were kidnapped from a school bus stop near the community of San Juan by a man who offered to take them to a cinema.
The girl's nine-year-old brother and their cousin said no.
But Ashlynne agreed to get into the van and her brother decided to accompany her.

Ashlynne's body was found near Shiprock pinnacle

Begaye, of nearby Waterflow, allegedly made her walk to Shiprock pinnacle, a remote area of the Navajo Nation known for its breathtaking views.
He told investigators he removed the girl's clothing with the intention of sexually assaulting her, according to the affidavit.
But because she was crying and begging to be taken home he hit her twice over the head with the tyre iron, say court documents.
He also said the girl was still moving when he left her for dead in the desert, according to the affidavit.
The suspect drove the nine-year-old brother to a highway and told him to get out. A passer-by took the boy to police.
The children's aunt, Darrell Foster-Joe, said: "He (the boy) was so tired and just crying and crying for his sister.
"It was really hard for the FBI to get any information from him."
Ashlynne's body was discovered on Tuesday morning.
Tribal President Russell Begaye advised parents against letting children out of their sight for extended periods of time.
The local school district says students dropped off at bus stops will now be taken back to school if their parents are not waiting to pick them up.