ALBUQUERQUE – Berland Thomas, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation and resident of Mexican Springs, N.M., has entered a guilty plea to federal involuntary manslaughter charges. The grim tale unfolded on June 6, 2014, when Thomas allegedly beat a fellow Navajo man to death during an alcohol-fueled confrontation on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County.
Thomas’ initial arrest came on June 9, 2014, following a criminal complaint charging him with murder. He was subsequently indicted for second-degree murder on June 24, 2014. During today’s change of plea hearing, Thomas confessed to assaulting the victim through striking and beating, resulting in the victim’s death.
According to the plea agreement, Thomas will face a sentence ranging from 18 to 24 months imprisonment followed by supervised release. Currently detained, his sentencing hearing remains unscheduled.
This harrowing case was jointly investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle T. Nayback is handling the prosecution.
Thomas’ plea comes as a stark reminder of the violent realities faced within Native American communities, particularly on reservations where law enforcement faces unique challenges in addressing crime and its impact.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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