Begay Gets 87 Months for Navajo Nation Shooting

ALBUQUERQUE, NM – A senseless act of violence on the Navajo Nation has landed Nathaniel Begay, 31, of Fruitland, New Mexico, behind bars for 87 months. Begay unloaded 18 rounds from semi-automatic handguns at a family home, putting eight lives at risk, including five young children. The attack, occurring on April 28, 2022, stemmed from a petty dispute following a swim at Morgan Lake, according to court documents.

The incident wasn’t a fleeting drive-by. Begay deliberately drove to the residence within the Navajo Nation’s boundaries, fueled by rage. He initially fired multiple shots at the home, then retreated briefly, only to return and unleash a second volley as the terrified family scrambled for cover. Miraculously, no one sustained injuries, but the psychological scars will undoubtedly linger.

Begay’s reign of terror was cut short the same night. He was arrested following a separate domestic dispute with his wife. A search revealed he was carrying a knife and a 9mm bullet – a chilling indication of his volatile nature. The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with crucial support from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, quickly built a case against him.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez made it clear: there’s no easy out for violent offenders in the federal system. “There is no parole in the federal system,” Uballez stated. Upon completion of his 87-month sentence, Begay will be subject to three years of supervised release – a small consolation for the fear he inflicted on an innocent family.

Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office emphasized the collaborative effort that brought Begay to justice. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley spearheaded the prosecution, ensuring Begay faced the full weight of the law. This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking within communities and the dedication of law enforcement to protect them.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on other instances of violent crime across the nation. The Navajo Nation, like many rural communities, faces unique challenges in combating crime, and this sentencing sends a message that such acts of aggression will not be tolerated. Begay’s actions were reckless and cowardly, and his lengthy prison sentence is a justified outcome.