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.
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Key leads to think about
🚗
vehicle
Lead #1What condition was the vehicle in when found, and were there any signs of foul play or struggle inside or around it?
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location
Lead #2Why did Philbert's vehicle end up in Tsaile when he stated he was going to Navajo first—did he change his route or was he taken there?
⏰
timeline
Lead #3What happened during the three-day gap between January 28 and January 31 when the vehicle was discovered?
Philbert Leo Shorty, a 44-year-old Navajo man, disappeared on January 28, 2021, after leaving his aunt's home in Fort Defiance, Arizona, stating he was headed to Navajo and possibly Tsaile. His vehicle was discovered abandoned in Tsaile three days later, but Philbert has not been seen or contacted family since his departure. The circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the location of his remains unknown, making continued investigation and public awareness critical to resolving this case.
Case
#2379
Navajo Nation Police Department - Window Rock District
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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 see Philbert or his vehicle between Fort Defiance and Tsaile during that weekend?
💡
clue
Lead #5Were his personal items (wallet, cap, jacket, boots) found in or near the abandoned vehicle?
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
16:00Philbert Departs Aunt's Home
Philbert left his aunt's residence in Fort Defiance at approximately 4-5:00 p.m., stating he was headed to Navajo and possibly Tsaile, Arizona.
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2021-01-31
Vehicle Found Abandoned
Philbert's vehicle was discovered abandoned in Tsaile, Arizona on Sunday, January 31, 2021, three days after his departure.
🕵️
2021-02-02
Case Reported to Navajo Nation Police
Navajo Nation Police Department - Window Rock District opened case MP77941 on February 2, 2021.
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:January 28, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
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Phone: 9288716983
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Case Information
Incident:January 28, 2021 at 4:00 PM
Last Updated:September 26, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 9288716983
You can remain anonymous