Shiprock man faces up to 10 years in domestic assault case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – A Shiprock man has been charged in a domestic assault that left the victim with multiple injuries including fractures, lacerations requiring stitches, and extensive bruising. Deshaun Begay, 20, went before a federal judge Monday.

A criminal complaint states on July 4, the Navajo Nation Police Department (NNPD) responded to a report of an assault in Shiprock. When officers arrived, they found the victim with multiple severe injuries to her face and head. The victim was taken to Northern Navajo Medical Center.

The complaint states the victim reported four separate additional incidents of domestic violence since May 2024 that went unreported due to the defendant’s representation that the victim would not be believed due to the defendant’s purported association with local authorities. On July 4, Begay continued his angry and physically abusive behavior after drinking with the victim.

The complaint continues that Begay then struck the victim repeatedly with his fists before escalating the assault with various weapons including a dog leash, a 10-pound dumbbell, and a chain with a padlock.

The victim required multiple injuries including bruising, lacerations requiring stitches and staples, and a nasal bone fracture. If convicted, Begay faces up to 10 years in prison.

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