Derwin Williams, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, New Mexico 2017

A brutal assault in the Navajo Nation has resulted in a three-year prison sentence for Derwin Williams, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. Williams was sentenced on October 21 in federal court in Albuquerque to three years in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release for assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.

The crime took place on April 23, 2017, when Williams, along with his alleged accomplices Marty Manuelito, 45, and Joelson Talk, 44, both members of the Navajo Nation, went to the victim’s home to retrieve a firearm. However, the situation quickly escalated, and the victim was left with multiple cuts to his body and face, a broken tooth, fractures to his nose and spine, and a concussion.

Williams pleaded guilty to the charges on June 5. His accomplices, Talk and Manuelito, also face charges related to the assault. Talk pleaded guilty on July 24 and is set to be sentenced on November 18. Manuelito, however, has entered a plea of not guilty and awaits trial.

The investigation into the assault was conducted by the FBI and Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall prosecuted the case.

Derwin Williams will be serving three years in prison for the assault. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding the law and protecting the rights of victims in Indian Country.

As the Navajo Nation continues to grapple with issues of violence and crime, it is crucial that those responsible for such acts are held accountable. Williams' sentence is a step in the right direction towards justice and healing for the victim and their community.

With this conviction, the people of New Mexico can rest a little easier knowing that those who commit violent crimes will face the consequences of their actions.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/navajo-man-sentenced-three-years-prison-assault-resulting-serious-bodily-injury