Update: FBI: Missing Girl Found Abduction NOT a Kidnapping

The male suspect who had been sought has been identified and interviewed while the investigation continues. The girl, who was reported missing the night of September 14, was found alive the next day at a trading post in Red Valley, Arizona. The FBI is working with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety on this investigation.

From the FBI

Friday, September 24, 2021

*Update*

An FBI investigation has determined that the reported abduction of a 13-year-old girl in Kirtland, N.M., on September 14 was not a kidnapping.

The male suspect who had been sought has been identified and interviewed while the investigation continues.

"We and our law enforcement partners are still sorting out what happened, but we spare no resources when we get a report that a child may be in danger," Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI Albuquerque Division said. "I want to thank the special agents and staff in our Farmington Resident Agency for the hours they spent on this case. I also want to express our gratitude to the public for the information they sent us and to the media for helping us get the word out."

The girl, who was reported missing the night of September 14, was found alive the next day at a trading post in Red Valley, Arizona.

The FBI is working with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office and Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety on this investigation.

 

Thursday, September 16, 2021

*Update*

The FBI today released a sketch of the unidentified suspect in the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl on Tuesday.

Anyone who recognizes this individual or knows his whereabout is asked to call the FBI at 505-889-1300 or use tips.fbi.gov.

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

The FBI and San Juan County Sheriff's Office are looking for a man suspected of kidnapping a 13-year-old girl in Kirtland, N.M.

The girl, who was reported missing Tuesday night, was found alive at a trading post in Red Valley, Ariz., on Wednesday at approximately 7:30-7:45 a.m.

The suspect is described as a Native American male in his 30s-40s, approximately 6' tall, with short brown hair. He had no facial hair.

He may be driving a dark colored four-door pickup truck with a bed cover, silver rims, and a 4x4 emblem.

He was last seen at Broken Horn arena/RV Park on County Road 6100 in Kirtland, where he allegedly abducted the girl at approximately 7:30 p.m.

"Law enforcement is actively searching for this suspect, but we need the public's help to bring this perpetrator to justice," said Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the Albuquerque FBI Division. "Anyone with information on this suspect's whereabouts is asked to immediately contact the FBI at 505-889-1300 or report online at tips.fbi.gov."

The Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety is assisting with this investigation.

More from Local News

  • Bus Service to Link Farmington to Durango, Albuquerque

    The need for the route was identified in the Statewide Public Transportation Plan and will run between Albuquerque, Farmington, Bernalillo, Cuba and into Durango, CO. The new service line will run five days a week, with one round trip each day, providing access to Navajo Transit and Red Apple Transit in Farmington.

  • Two Fatally Shot in Durango, Suspect Shoots Self

    Durango Police say that both victims from Monday night's shooting, Shelby Campbell (32) and Emma Sims (32),  have passed away from their injuries. The suspect, Bradley Campbell (32), remains on life support with a gunshot wound to the head.  Durango Police Detectives continue to investigate this incident, but there is no indication that anyone else was involved.

  • Murder-Suicide in busy Durango shopping area

    Bystanders immediately called 911, prompting an emergency response from the Durango Police Department, La Plata County Sheriff's Office, and Durango Fire & Rescue. First Responders arrived within minutes and began life-saving measures on both individuals. Both were transported to Mercy Hospital, where they later succumbed to their injuries.

  • Update: Driver Cited for Street Racing (video)

    The driver of the red Toyota Supra, 22-year-old Kalynn Kenworthy, was charged with racing on highways. Kenworthy has an extensive history of traffic violations, including citations for racing in August 2025 and in 2023, as well as more than seven speeding citations within the past four years, each averaging more than 15 mph over the posted speed limit. Additional charges are pending against the driver of the white passenger car.

  • Dineh Benally Pleads Guilty to Charges from Illegal Marijuana Farms

    According to court documents, from approximately January 2018 to November 2020, Benally, 48, and his co-conspirators established over 30 farms, covering more than 400 acres, on land obtained from Navajo Nation members. To fund this illegal enterprise, Benally and a co-conspirator traveled to California and created front companies to solicit Chinese investors. These investors were charged cash fees ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for counterfeit cannabis cultivation licenses.

  • Three Injured in Farmington Shooting, Suspect Arrested

    It was discovered that several individuals had been injured. A juvenile sustained a graze wound, a 16-year-old was shot in the leg, and an 18-year-old was shot in the chest and transported to Albuquerque in critical condition. The vehicle involved in the crash is connected to the shooter. At this time, the shooter has been identified as an 18-year-old male.

On KSJE Now:

Today's Weather

  • Farmington, NM

    Sunny

    High: 63°F | Low: 28°F

  • Durango, CO

    Sunny

    High: 61°F | Low: 23°F

  • Shiprock, NM

    Sunny intervals

    High: 61°F | Low: 28°F

  • Cortez, CO

    Sunny

    High: 61°F | Low: 27°F

  • Santa Fe, NM

    Sunny

    High: 61°F | Low: 27°F