Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for a shooting incident that occurred in Shiprock in 2023.
Tyrell Willie, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on May 28, 2023, Willie contacted Jane Doe via Facebook Messenger and requested to visit her at her home. Willie arrived at Jane Doe’s residence at approximately 2:00 a.m. After a brief conversation, Willie became aggressive and attempted to forcibly remove Jane Doe from her vehicle until her son, John Doe, intervened to protect his mother.
Following the altercation, Willie left the scene but later returned. When John Doe exited his home, Willie, who was lying in wait by circling the neighborhood, turned off the headlights to his vehicle, drove up to John Doe, and discharged two rounds from the driver’s seat, with one shot striking John Doe in the stomach. Navajo Nation Police officers, who were already in the area responding to reports of erratic driving, quickly pursued and apprehended Willie.
Upon his release from prison, Willie will be subject to five years of supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley prosecuted the case.
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