Phoenix, Ariz. – Marvin Tona, a 48-year-old resident of Bylas, Arizona, has been sentenced to 293 months in prison for second-degree murder. The sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan on December 19, 2022. Tona pleaded guilty to the charge. The crime occurred on September 5, 2021, on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, where Tona engaged in an argument with the victim, who was an adult and a former friend. Armed with a handgun, Tona fired shots into a bedroom where the victim was located, resulting in their death. Both Tona and the victim are members of the San Carlos Apache Indian community. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the San Carlos Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Simon handled the prosecution.
Title
Bylas Man Sentenced to 293 Months for Second Degree Murder
Background Information
About the case
The case involves Marvin Tona, a 48-year-old resident of Bylas, Arizona, who was sentenced to 293 months in prison for second-degree murder. The sentencing took place on December 19, 2022, before United States District Judge Steven P. Logan. Tona had pleaded guilty to the charges.
Sentence and Sentencing Date
Length of sentence
Marvin Tona was sentenced to serve 293 months in prison for second-degree murder. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime committed and the need for justice to be served.
Date of sentencing
The sentencing of Marvin Tona took place on December 19, 2022. This date marks an important moment in the legal proceedings of the case and serves as the official determination of Tona’s punishment.
Parties Involved
United States District Judge
The sentencing was conducted by United States District Judge Steven P. Logan. As a federal judge, Judge Logan is responsible for upholding and enforcing the laws of the United States and ensuring that justice is served in criminal cases.
Assistant United States Attorney
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Simon from the District of Arizona. Simon played a vital role in presenting the case against Marvin Tona and advocating for justice on behalf of the victim and the community.
Incident Details
Argument between Tona and victim
The incident leading to the murder occurred on September 5, 2021, on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Marvin Tona engaged in a heated argument with the adult victim, who was once a friend to Tona. The exact reasons for the argument are not disclosed in the available information.
Location of the incident
The incident took place at a residence in Bylas, Arizona. Bylas is located within the boundaries of the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, where both Tona and the victim were enrolled members of the community.
Use of a handgun
During the argument, Marvin Tona was armed with a handgun. In a fit of anger or violence, Tona fired shots into a bedroom of the residence where the victim was located. The use of a deadly weapon in the course of the altercation amplifies the severity of the crime committed.
Fatal outcome
Tragically, one of the bullets fired by Marvin Tona struck and killed the victim. The fatal outcome of the incident further underscores the gravity of the offense and the need for the legal system to hold Tona accountable for his actions.
Victim and Perpetrator Background
Enrolled members of the San Carlos Apache Indian community
Both the victim and Marvin Tona were enrolled members of the San Carlos Apache Indian community. The impact of the crime reverberates not only within the community but also highlights the importance of addressing violence among tribal members.
Investigation
Agencies involved
The investigation into the incident was conducted jointly by multiple law enforcement agencies. These agencies include the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the San Carlos Police Department. Their collaboration ensures a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crime.
Bureau of Indian Affairs
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, a federal agency within the United States Department of the Interior, played a crucial role in the investigation. Their expertise in handling cases on tribal lands helps to ensure justice is served for victims and their families.
Federal Bureau of Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the premier federal investigative agency, also participated in the investigation. The FBI brings extensive resources and expertise to the table, enabling a comprehensive examination of the evidence and the gathering of crucial information.
San Carlos Police Department
The San Carlos Police Department, the local law enforcement agency, played an integral role in the investigation. Their firsthand knowledge of the community and their close working relationship with tribal members contribute to a more accurate understanding of the events leading to the crime.
Prosecution
Assistant United States Attorney
Assistant United States Attorney Thomas C. Simon from the District of Arizona handled the prosecution. Simon utilized his legal expertise and knowledge of the case to present a strong argument against Marvin Tona in court, seeking a just conviction and sentence.
District of Arizona
The District of Arizona, which encompasses Bylas and the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation, is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes that occur within its jurisdiction. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona represents the government in criminal cases and works to secure justice for victims and their communities.
Case Number and Release Number
Case number
The case involving Marvin Tona was assigned the case number CR-21-00830-PHX-SPL. This unique identifier allows for easy reference to the specific legal proceedings related to the crime.
Release number
The release number for this case is 2023-002_Tona. This number helps to track and reference official documents and statements released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the case.
Conclusion
Sentencing and case details reflect commitment to justice
The sentencing of Marvin Tona to 293 months for second-degree murder reflects the commitment to justice by the United States legal system. The severity of the crime committed, the use of a handgun, and the fatal outcome of the incident all contribute to the necessity of holding Tona accountable for his actions. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies and the expertise of the Assistant United States Attorney further ensure that justice is served, providing closure for the victim’s family and the community as a whole. The case number and release number serve as references to the specific legal proceedings and official statements related to the case, allowing for transparency and accountability. This sentencing sends a strong message that acts of violence will not go unpunished, reinforcing the principles of justice and upholding the rights of the victim and the community.