Meth use, murder rates up
Benally blames drug for sharp increase killings on reservation

By Natasha Kaye Johnson
Diné Bureau

WINDOW ROCK — Five years ago, the number of murders on the Navajo Nation began to slowly decrease, with each passing year having five to seven less than the previous year.

It was a brief sigh of relief for law enforcement officials and tribal leaders alike, who were happy to see that progress was being made. But that feeling of ease is now a memory.

Statistics from the Navajo Nation Information and Records Department show that number of murders from 2005 to 2006 jumped from 16 to 30.

Unfortunately, its doesn't shock law enforcement officials.

"The reason being is the increase of meth use," said Chief Jim Benally Wednesday afternoon, answering without hesitation.

While the highly publicized November 2005 Hogback murders are known to be meth related, Benally noted that a number of fatal stabbings also usually involve meth.

Data from the Information and Records also show that the number of drug busts rose from 31 to 60, from 2005 to 2006, which Benally said coincides with the number of murders.

And while statistics have improved moderately in almost all areas of law enforcement, such as the number of sex offenses, assault, robbery, fraud, non-criminal activities, and fatal crashes due to increased DUI arrests, Benally is taken back at how the drug has infiltrated the Navajo Nation and become the primary cause of rising murders.

Referred to as a "modern day enemy to the Navajo people" by officials with the Navajo Department of Behavioral Health Services, Benally said the drug has spreading to the areas where services are most lacking.

"The crime has spread to more rural areas," said Benally.

Benally recalled an incident last year, where an elderly couple at their sheep camp had no choice but to watch in broad daylight as their sheep were being stolen from them. After looking into the case, he concluded that the incident was meth related, with young people stealing the sheep to sell and then buy meth.

"They were helpless," he said. "Elders are basically saying 'we're living in fear out here.' "

It wasn't a first time that the drug pushed young people to sell items of value. Benally said there are incidents where saddles, jewelry, and other valuable items are stolen, and it was concluded by investigation that the items were pawned to finance meth addictions.

"Once it gets here, the market goes up and the price increases," said Benally, adding that the drug is coming from metropolitan areas like Phoenix. "It's all based on need."

Efforts to address the issue have been ongoing, with law enforcement officials and leaders creating community watch programs and attempting to get funding to address the issue. Last week, vice-president Ben Shelly testified on a bill that would help bring federal dollars to address meth related issues.

Increasing the number of officers, Benally stated, would also help to reduce the problem. Within the last five years, the number of officers has increased by nearly 100, which Benally attributes to the previous decreases in murders on the reservation.

And while the fight against meth is one that the Nation is losing right now, officials will keep up the battle.

"Our efforts are continuing," said Benally.