Armondo Paul, Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country, New Mexico 2025

ALBUQUERQUE - A violent crime has shaken the Navajo Nation community in New Mexico. Armondo Paul, 25, pleaded guilty to Second-Degree Murder in Indian Country for killing a man who tried to stop him from attacking another resident during a break-in.

On June 27, 2025, Paul went to a home in Shiprock and shut off the electricity. He then kicked open the back door and assaulted one of the occupants. When the second occupant intervened, Paul stabbed him in the neck with a kitchen knife.

The victim fled the home and died in his own driveway. Paul will be subject to five years of supervised release, including mandatory mental-health treatment after serving his 210-month prison sentence.

The crime was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

The incident has left the Navajo Nation community in shock. The FBI and local police are working together to ensure that justice is served and that the community is safe.

Paul must also make restitution in the amount of $5,471.37 to the Crime Victims Reparation Commission for the victim's funeral costs and an undetermined amount to the victim's family for costs associated with his crime.

The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for residents to look out for one another. The Navajo Nation community is coming together to support the victim's family and to ensure that those responsible for this senseless crime are held accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/shiprock-man-sentenced-murder-navajo-nation-home-break