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April 9, 2026
Judge Rejects Plea Deal in Ella Mae Begay Case
- A federal judge in Phoenix rejected a plea deal for Preston Henry Tolth, who admitted to assaulting Ella Mae Begay and leaving her for dead.
- Tolth will face trial on charges of carjacking and assault related to Begay's 2021 disappearance, with a trial date yet to be set.
- The judge's decision followed emotional testimony from Begay's family, emphasizing the need for Tolth to reveal her whereabouts.
2 Sources
- Judge throws out plea agreement in case of missing Navajo womanApr 9, 2026 at 8:10 PM · AP
- Judge rejects plea agreement in case of missing Navajo elder Ella Mae BegayApr 9, 2026 at 8:54 PM · ABC News