San Carlos Apache Council enacts gathering ordinance in honor of teen who was shot, killed

The San Carlos Apache Council passed “Dezirae’s Law,” an ordinance regulating large residential gatherings, Thursday in honor of a 16-year-old girl who was shot and killed over last weekend.

The high school sophomore, identified by San Carlos Unified School District as Dezirae Nichole Harney, was shot around 11 p.m. Saturday night at Belvado Park in the Gilson Walsh District before dying on Monday at 2 p.m.

Authorities have arrested a juvenile in connection with the fatal shooting.

“Our officers are working diligently and as quickly as possible to identify all suspects in connection with the shooting,” San Carlos Apache Police Chief Elliot Sneezy said in a news release. “We will arrest everyone responsible for this senseless crime.”

In addition to the ordinance, the council requested a study of crimes that might justify banishment or disenrollment from the tribe’s reservation.

Additionally, the council canceled Thursday’s Apache Independence Day celebrations in an attempt to stop the recent uptick of violence at large gatherings.

“My prayers are with the family during their time of need,” San Carlos Apache Tribe Chairman Terry Rambler said. “I have trust in our law enforcement to bring all those responsible to justice.”

Anyone with information regarding the shooting is asked to contact investigators at 928-475-1700 or submit a tip online.

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