Dan Curtis Thompson, Arson, New Mexico 2013

Arsonist Targets Ex-Girlfriend's Residence in Shiprock

Shiprock, New Mexico - Dan Curtis Thompson, 32, was arrested in October 2013 for allegedly setting fire to his ex-girlfriend's residence on January 9, 2013.

Thompson, a resident of Shiprock, pleaded guilty to a federal arson charge, admitting to the crime in his plea agreement. He stated that he had resided in his ex-girlfriend's apartment until she ejected him after a physical altercation.

Thompson's resentment towards his ex-girlfriend grew, and he began planning to burn her residence. He shattered a window, poured gasoline inside, and ignited it, fleeing the scene with the assistance of his sister.

The victim's residence was occupied at the time of the fire, and Thompson admitted that he did not check to see if anyone was inside when he lit the flames. He was motivated by a desire to retaliate against his ex-girlfriend.

Thompson has been in federal custody since his arrest and remains detained pending his sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. He faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Christina Thompson, Dan's twin sister, has entered a not guilty plea to the indictment and remains on conditions of release pending trial. The charge against her is merely an accusation, and she is presumed innocent until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case was investigated by the Shiprock Division of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul H. Spiers. The case is part of the Tribal Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (Tribal SAUSA) Pilot Project, which seeks to train tribal prosecutors in federal law and increase the likelihood of violent offenses against Native women being prosecuted in federal or tribal court.

Thompson's sentencing hearing has yet to be scheduled, but he remains in federal custody pending the outcome. His actions have left a trail of destruction and fear in the community, and his punishment will likely be severe.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/shiprock-man-pleads-guilty-arson-charge-arising-out-fire-former-girlfriend-s-residence