Bylas Man Gets 24 Years for Apache Reservation Murder

Bylas, AZ – Marvin Tona, 48, will spend the next 24 years and 5 months behind bars after pleading guilty to the second-degree murder of a man on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. U.S. District Judge Steven P. Logan handed down the 293-month sentence on December 19, 2022, bringing a grim close to a case rooted in a long-simmering dispute.

The shooting unfolded on September 5, 2021, after an argument between Tona and the victim, identified as a fellow member of the San Carlos Apache community. Sources close to the investigation indicate the two men had a history, turning a personal conflict deadly. Tona, armed with a handgun, allegedly opened fire into a bedroom where the victim was located, resulting in immediate fatal injuries.

This wasn’t a random act of violence. The feds zeroed in on Tona quickly, working in concert with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the San Carlos Police Department. The multi-agency investigation quickly established Tona’s involvement, and the evidence presented to the court left little room for doubt.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas C. Simon, leading the prosecution, argued for a substantial sentence, emphasizing the senselessness of the killing and the devastating impact on the victim’s family and the San Carlos Apache community. While the plea agreement avoided a full trial, the severity of the crime – and the use of a firearm – demanded a lengthy term.

The 293-month sentence reflects the seriousness with which federal prosecutors treat violent crime on tribal lands. The San Carlos Apache Reservation, like many Native American communities, faces unique challenges with crime and law enforcement. This case demonstrates the commitment of federal agencies to address those challenges and hold offenders accountable. The BIA and FBI will continue to work with tribal police to maintain safety.

Tona’s incarceration isn’t just about punishment; it’s a stark reminder that resorting to violence – even against someone you once knew – carries catastrophic consequences. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing efforts to combat crime within Native American communities.