A Navajo Nation girl who helped saved her mother from a near-fatal attack was honored by the FBI on Tuesday.

Ashley Nez, 15, used a baseball bat to fend off a man who shot her mother, Cassandra, on July 7, 2010. Her testimony helped secure a guilty verdict against William Belin, who faces up to 30 years in prison on assault and other charges.

"I'm happy there was a punishment," Ashley told The Farmington Daily Times. "If it wasn't for me I wouldn't have a mom today."

The FBI presented Ashley with the Director's Certificate for exceptional service in the public interest.

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FBI honors girl who saved her mother (The Farmington Daily Times 8/17)