The person at the center of this case
Philbert Leo Shorty
Missing Person · Open
5 years waiting · since 2021
Missing Person: Philbert Leo Shorty
Justice for Philbert Leo Shorty — the trail went cold in 2021, but the truth hasn't.
Start here
Key leads to think about
📍
location
Lead #1Why was Philbert's vehicle found in Tsaile when he said he might go there—did he arrive safely or was he diverted?
🚗
vehicle
Lead #2What condition was the abandoned vehicle in, and were there any signs of struggle or personal belongings inside?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3The three-day gap between departure and vehicle discovery—where was Philbert during this time?
Philbert Leo Shorty, a 44-year-old Navajo man, disappeared on January 28, 2021, after leaving his aunt's home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, saying he was headed to Navajo and possibly Tsaile. His vehicle was discovered abandoned in Tsaile three days later on January 31, 2021, but Philbert has not been seen or contacted family since. The circumstances of his disappearance and current whereabouts remain unknown, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Navajo Nation Police Department.
Case
#2379
Navajo Nation Police Department - Window Rock District
Try asking
Claim this imported case
A one-time $10 claim transfers this imported case workspace to your account. You get 10 uploads for this case, 25 daily AI questions for this case, and public tips with files route to you.
10 uploads25 AI questions/day
This does not start a subscription. When the included limits are reached, the Personal plan unlocks more workspace capacity.
More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
👁️
witness
Lead #4Did anyone in Navajo or Tsaile see Philbert or his vehicle during the period between January 28-31, 2021?
💡
clue
Lead #5Philbert was wearing distinctive clothing (black Carhartt jacket, light blue pants, brown steel-toe boots, and a white/beige cap with red print)—has anyone reported seeing a man matching this description?
Have information about any of these leads?
Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP77941. Missing person: Philbert Leo Shorty.
Last known contact: 2021-01-28 in Fort Defiance, Apache, AZ. Circumstances: Philbert left from his aunt residence in Fort Defiance, Arizona on Thursday, January 28, 2021 at about 4-5:00 p.m.
He told his aunt he was headed to Navajo and then possibly to Tsaile, Arizona. Philbert's vehicle was found abandoned in Tsaile, Arizona on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
He has not been seen or contacted family since then. Demographics: 44 years, Male, American Indian / Alaska Native.
Physical description: 5 ft 8 in, 150 lbs, hair: Black, eyes: Black. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: Has a plain black wallet, 3 fold; Accessories: White/beige with red print cap; Clothing: Black carhart jacket, light blue pants; Footwear: Pair of brown steel toe boots (Justin James brand), size 9 1/2.
Investigating agency: Navajo Nation Police Department - Window Rock District | 01-21-003632 | 2021-02-02.
Timeline of Events
👁️
2021-01-28
16:30Last Known Contact
Philbert left his aunt's residence in Fort Defiance, Arizona at approximately 4-5:00 p.m., stating he was headed to Navajo and possibly Tsaile.
🔍
2021-01-31
Vehicle Found Abandoned
Philbert's vehicle was discovered abandoned in Tsaile, Arizona on Sunday, January 31, 2021.
🕵️
2021-02-02
Case Reported
Navajo Nation Police Department - Window Rock District opened investigation case 01-21-003632.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 28, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Last Updated:July 20, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9288716983
You can remain anonymous
Leave a comment
Comments
Case Information
Incident:January 28, 2021 at 4:30 PM
Last Updated:July 20, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9288716983
You can remain anonymous