A 23-year-old man has been arrested for the fatal shooting of Zamias Lang, a 7-year-old boy, on tribal lands in Colorado earlier this month. Jeremiah Hight was apprehended on December 24, 2024, on the Navajo Nation reservation near Oljato, Utah, following days of searching by authorities.
The arrest was announced by the Navajo Police Department, which utilized its canine unit along with members of the Bureau of Indian Affairs drug enforcement division to locate Hight. Just 24 hours prior to the arrest, the FBI had announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to Hight's capture after the tragic incident occurred on December 11.
According to reports, the shooting took place on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, where Hight is alleged to have fired multiple shots at the Lang family home. Court documents indicate there were 24 bullet holes found at the scene, and investigators recovered at least as many casings from what was described as an “assault-style rifle.”
On the night of the shooting, Zamias was reportedly lying next to his father, Zackieus Lang, when gunfire erupted just after midnight. The elder Lang recounted hearing what sounded like rapid gunfire and witnessing his son “struggling in pain” right after being shot. His testimony provides heartbreaking details about the night, painting a horrifying picture of how senseless gun violence impacted their family.
Prior to the shooting, sources indicated Hight had expressed intentions to “shoot up Zackieus Lang’s house” during social gatherings with acquaintances. Yet, as of now, neither the FBI nor local authorities have disclosed any definitive motive behind this tragic event.
After Hight's arrest, he made his first court appearance on December 26, where he faced charges of second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon within Indian Country, as well as using a firearm during a violent crime. During this hearing, Hight did not contest his identity nor the charges against him, allowing for his swift transfer to Colorado, where he will face these serious allegations.
The public and community reaction to this shocking incident has been overwhelmingly sympathetic toward the Lang family. A GoFundMe page established to assist with Zamias's funeral expenses has described him as a “bright and loving” child who fell victim to this tragic situation. The page reads, “He fell victim to senseless gun violence, leaving behind family, friends, and a community who loved him dearly.”
The heartbreak surrounding Zamias’s death resonates deeply throughout the community. Law enforcement and social service organizations are likely to offer support to the Lang family as they navigate this unimaginable tragedy. Related investigations will continue, as authorities seek to determine the full scope around the circumstances leading to the incident.
The FBI investigates serious crimes on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, which is situated at the confluence of four states: New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. This jurisdiction aims to support the local communities and uphold justice, especially within tribal lands, where resources can be strained.
Authorities have not yet disclosed clear next steps concerning Hight’s legal proceedings or any additional charges. Community vigilance remains high as they collectively mourn Zamias and seek justice for his untimely death. The emotional toll on families and friends highlights the urgent discussion needed around gun violence and its senseless impact.
Overall, as this case progresses, it serves as yet another example of the tragic consequences stemming from gun-related violence across America, especially within vulnerable communities such as tribal reservations. The sentiments expressed by the Lang family and their supporters underline the pressing need for increased awareness, policy change, and community healing.
