PHOENIX (AP) — A federal judge in Phoenix has rejected a plea agreement that would have allowed Preston Henry Tolth, who admitted to brutally assaulting a Navajo elder, to evade more prison time. The ruling mandates that Tolth, now facing trial for carjacking and assault connected to the 2021 disappearance of Ella Mae Begay, appear in court without the plea deal's provisions.

According to the original plea, Tolth would have served just three years, acknowledging his involvement in the crime while pleading guilty to a single count of robbery. However, the defense's attempts to secure leniency were halted by a public outcry from family members highlighting the need for justice.

Ella Mae Begay, a renowned weaver and beloved community member, was 62 years old when she vanished from Sweetwater, Arizona. Her disappearance sparked national media attention, drawing focus to the alarming rates at which Indigenous people go missing and are murdered.

During the court proceedings, Begay's family passionately pleaded with the judge not to accept the plea deal. Seraphine Warren, a relative, described Ella Mae as a loving individual known for her warm embraces, emphasizing the need for the truth surrounding her disappearance.

“Accountability is not time served,” Warren told the judge, stressing the enduring quest for justice and clarity. Gerald Begay, the victim's son, echoed similar sentiments, expressing a feeling of neglect from the justice system.

Tolth, initially a person of interest shortly after August 2021, admitted during an investigation that he had not only carjacked Begay’s vehicle but had also assaulted her before leaving her behind. However, his confession is currently in jeopardy as a federal judge ruled it inadmissible due to claims of coercion from law enforcement.

The prosecution’s case has hit a serious setback, as federal prosecutors noted that the ruling on Tolth’s confession undermined their efforts. As a result, they argued that the plea deal would offer Begay's family more certainty over a turbulent trial process. Nevertheless, family members firmly believe that pursuing a trial, regardless of the outcome, is their only path to fight for Ella Mae.

“We want to see this go to trial because we have nothing to lose,” Warren stated decisively. “If we lose, at least we fought.”