Source: Office of United States Attorneys
ALBUQUERQUE – A Pine Hill man has been sentenced to 180 months in federal prison for a fatal stabbing of John Doe in 2023 during a gathering in Shiprock, New Mexico.
There is no parole in the federal system.
According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Kirtie Cohoe, 48, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, fatally stabbed John Doe during a gathering at a relative’s home in Shiprock, New Mexico. During an altercation in the relative’s kitchen, Cohoe lost self-control and attacked Doe with a knife.
After the incident, Cohoe fled the scene on foot, taking the weapon with him. The Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations (NDCI) and the FBI found John Doe deceased at the home with multiple stab wounds. Cohoe was later apprehended in nearby woods, where he was found with blood on his clothing. The knife was recovered near Cohoe’s wallet, and DNA analysis later linked Cohoe to the knife’s handle. Cohoe has admitted to causing John Doe’s death.
Upon his release from prison, Cohoe will be subject to three 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.
This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Mark Probasco are prosecuting the case.
# # #