Severed body ID’d
Police say remains are those of Mentmore resident

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

GALLUP — Police have identified the remains found this week on Gallup’s north side.

The remains are those of Frank Yazzie, who turned 43 in January, according to lead investigator Owen Peña with McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

Police discovered Yazzie’s torso severed from his lower body Monday night, before discovering his lower body Thursday morning. The lower body was buried in a similar manner — wrapped in a plastic trash bag and partially buried in a hole about 19 inches deep — about 100 yards east of where the torso was found behind the 300 block of East Wilson Avenue.

Peña said Yazzie was last wearing Old Navy pants, inside which police found his identification card. The ID card lists a Mentmore P.O. Box.

He said the next step in the investigation is known as victimology, during which investigators will attempt to piece together Yazzie’s relationships and lifestyle.

Little is so far known about Yazzie. His court records show only two judicial events inside New Mexico: a public intoxication charge in August 1988; and a custody hearing in 1995.

Crimestoppers is offering up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest. Crimestoppers in Gallup can be reached at (505) 722-6161.

Reporter Phil Stake can be reached at philip.stake@gmail.com, or by calling (505) 863-6811 x223.