7-year-old boy shot, killed on Colorado reservation was in bed when he was hit: court docs

A 7-year-old boy who died in a shooting that left 24 bullet holes in a home on a tribal reservation in Colorado was lying next to his father in bed when he was hit, according to court documents unsealed Thursday.Zackieus Lang told investigators that his son was on the right side of the bed and he was sleeping on the left when he heard gunfire just after midnight on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, according to an arrest affidavit for Jeremiah Hight, who is charged in the shooting.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which investigates serious crimes on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation in the Four Corners region where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet, did not provide a motive. However, one person who was drinking with Hight and others in the hours before the shooting told an FBI agent that Hight had said he planned to “shoot up Zackieus Lang’s house”, according to the arrest affidavit.

Hight was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on a mesa west of Oljato, Utah, on the Navajo Nation reservation by members of the Navajo Police Department’s dog team and the Bureau of Indian Affairs drug enforcement division, Navajo police said. Authorities had been looking for Hight for several days before finding him in a remote area, Navajo police spokesperson Chrissy Largo said.Hight’s arrest came about 24 hours after the FBI announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction in the fatal shooting at the home in Towaoc, Colorado, on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation. The town is about 110 miles (177 kilometers) east of where Hight was found.

Hight briefly appeared in federal court in Flagstaff, Arizona, Thursday. He did not contest that he was the person being sought in Zamias Lang’s shooting, so he will be sent to Colorado to face charges of second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon in Indian Country and using a firearm during a violent crime, according to court documents.

7-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot While Sleeping on Colorado Reservation: A Community in Mourning

In a heartbreaking tragedy, a 7-year-old boy was shot and killed while lying in bed at his home on a Native American reservation in Colorado. Court documents reveal that the young victim was struck by a bullet that came from outside the residence, raising concerns about violence and safety within the community. The incident has left family members, tribal officials, and law enforcement searching for answers as they work to bring justice to the grieving family.

The Tragic Incident

According to investigators, the shooting occurred late at night when the child was asleep in his family’s home. The bullet, fired from an unknown distance, pierced through the walls of the house and fatally struck the boy. First responders arrived at the scene shortly after the shooting was reported, but despite efforts to save him, the child succumbed to his injuries.

Witnesses and law enforcement officials stated that the shots appeared to be random or possibly related to an ongoing dispute in the neighborhood. The victim’s family was reportedly not involved in any criminal activity, and investigators are treating the case as an unintended homicide.

Law Enforcement Response

Local police, tribal authorities, and federal agencies are collaborating on the investigation. Since the shooting took place on a reservation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is also involved, as federal law enforcement often oversees major crimes on tribal lands.

Authorities have urged residents to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. “This is a devastating tragedy, and we will not rest until we find out who is responsible for this senseless act,” a spokesperson for the local police department said during a press conference.

A Community in Mourning

The tragedy has left the reservation in shock and mourning, as friends and relatives struggle to come to terms with the loss of a young life. The child, described by family members as a bright and joyful boy who loved playing outside and spending time with his siblings, had his entire future ahead of him.

In the days following the shooting, candlelight vigils were held to honor the victim. Hundreds of people gathered, offering prayers and support to the grieving family. Many community leaders have spoken out about the need for increased security and gun violence prevention measures on the reservation.

“This is not just a loss for one family, but for the entire community,” a tribal elder said at one of the vigils. “We need to come together and ensure that no more innocent lives are lost.”

Gun Violence on Native American Reservations

This tragedy sheds light on a broader issue of gun violence on Native American reservations. Studies have shown that Native American communities face higher rates of violent crime compared to the national average, often due to economic hardships, lack of law enforcement resources, and systemic issues that have persisted for generations.

According to a report by the Bureau of Justice Statistics, Native Americans experience violent crime at a rate more than twice that of other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Many tribal leaders have called for more federal funding to improve policing efforts and implement community programs that address the root causes of violence.

The lack of resources in tribal law enforcement often makes it difficult to quickly investigate and solve violent crimes. Some communities have turned to grassroots organizations for support, advocating for stricter gun regulations and increased mental health services to prevent tragedies like this from happening in the future.

Calls for Justice and Policy Changes

As the investigation continues, activists and community members are urging policymakers to take stronger action against gun violence. Some are calling for stricter gun control laws, including better tracking of firearms and harsher penalties for illegal gun possession.

“This child did not deserve to die like this,” said a local activist. “We need to ask ourselves, how many more children need to be lost before real change happens?”

Local leaders are also pushing for better housing security, improved emergency response services, and more engagement between law enforcement and community members to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A Family’s Unimaginable Grief

The boy’s parents, devastated by the loss of their child, have spoken out about their pain and desire for justice. In a tearful statement, his mother described her son as “a light in our lives,” saying, “He was so full of love, and he had so much more life to live. We just want justice for him.”

Family members have set up a fundraiser to cover funeral costs and provide financial support as they grieve. The outpouring of support from the community has been immense, with donations and condolences coming from all over the country.

Moving Forward

While the community mourns, law enforcement remains focused on finding the person responsible. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and analyzing ballistic evidence to trace the weapon used in the shooting.

Authorities have reassured the public that they are working tirelessly to solve the case and bring closure to the grieving family. In the meantime, residents are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Conclusion

The tragic shooting of a 7-year-old boy on a Colorado reservation has left a deep scar on the community. As the investigation continues, family members, friends, and tribal leaders are calling for justice and demanding action to prevent future tragedies.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address gun violence in vulnerable communities. While no measure can undo the loss of a young life, efforts to enhance public safety and strengthen support systems for at-risk populations can help prevent further tragedies.

For now, a community grieves, a family mourns, and a search for justice continues.