Investigators in New Mexico and Arizona are now joining Fort Worth police in the investigation into a man who faces four capital murder cases in Tarrant County.
Jason Thornburg, 41 Fort Worth, was arrested for the Sept. 22 murders and dismemberments of David Lueras, 42, Lauren Phillips and one other. He is also suspected in the murder of former roommate Mark Jewel, 61, and former girlfriend Tanya Begay, according to police.
The case of Begay has haunted her family and police since she was reported missing in 2017. Now, with the arrest, there is renewed interest in the case.
“We plan on traveling to Texas to interview him (Thornburg) ourselves sometime by the end of the month,” said Michael Henderson, Director of Criminal Investigation for the Navajo Nation Police Department.
For now Begay remains classified as a missing person. No remains were ever found. Relatives say Begay left her children with them and set out with Thornburg in 2017. When she did not return she was reported missing to the Gallup, NM police department.
“She was last seen in the Tohachi New Mexico area. And also some sighting or ties to Dilkon Arizona.” said Capt. Erin Toadlena-Pablo of the Gallup Police Department.
The search area is expansive, dipping deep into the Navajo reservation in Arizona. The Navajo Nation Police Department is taking the lead in the investigation with help from the FBI’s Flagstaff, AZ office.
Thornburg remains in custody on more than $1 million bond, facing a charge of capital murder of multiple persons. No court date has been set. Fort Worth police have declined comment saying the investigation is continuing.
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