Sanostee Man Sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter

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A man from Sanostee has been handed a 12-year prison sentence after admitting to causing the fatal injuries that led to the death of his friend during a violent incident fueled by alcohol. It is important to note that in the federal legal system, parole is not an option, meaning that the entire sentence must be served by the convicted individual.

According to official legal records, on June 8, 2022, John Doe visited the home of Tyrone Atcitty Nez, a 34-year-old individual who is a registered member of the Navajo Nation. The purpose of John Doe's visit was to offer his assistance in fixing a water heater. While they were together at Nez's residence, both John Doe and Nez engaged in the activity of drinking alcohol and engaging in playful physical interaction.

During a certain moment, John Doe rose from his seated posture, prompting Nez to deliver a forceful blow to his face. This resulted in Doe losing consciousness and collapsing to the ground. While Doe remained in an unconscious and unresponsive state on the floor, Nez proceeded to strike him multiple times in the face and upper body using his work boots. After delivering approximately 5 to 10 kicks, Nez became aware that Doe was bleeding heavily from his nose and mouth.

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Concerned about Doe potentially choking, Nez took immediate action by turning him onto his side and leaving the premises to seek assistance from the neighbors in dialing 911. The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations promptly arrived at the scene, where Nez openly acknowledged that he had struck and kicked Doe.

Doe passed away at Nez's place due to the head injuries he sustained. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, which resulted in contusions, fractures, internal bleeding, and swelling of the brain.

Once his prison sentence is completed, Nez will be obligated to undergo five years of supervised release.

Today, U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, the Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, have made an official announcement.

The case was thoroughly investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency, which operates under the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. The Navajo Police Department provided valuable assistance during the course of the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and R. Eliot Neal have been assigned to prosecute this case. They will be responsible for presenting the evidence and arguing the legal aspects in court.