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Press Release

Member of Navajo Nation charged with murder in Indian Country

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Blaine Morgan, 35, of Crownpoint, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court on July 9 for an arraignment on an indictment charging him with second-degree murder in Indian Country.

            According to the indictment and other court records, Morgan attended a small gathering on Mar. 29 in a trailer within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation in Church Rock, New Mexico.  Morgan began to argue with the victim and opted to “to take it outside” where where Morgan fought with the victim and stabbed the victim several times.  The victim was later pronounced dead at Gallup Indian Medical Center. 

            The FBI arrested Morgan on July 6.   He is in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for July 13.  Morgan faces up to life in prison if convicted. 

            Indictments are only allegations.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

           The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department.   Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer M. Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.

Updated July 10, 2020

Topics
Indian Country Law and Justice
Violent Crime
Press Release Number: 20-118