Ellery Brent Yazzie, Fatal Family Shooting, New Mexico 2023

A devastating family tragedy has come to a close in New Mexico with a 27.5-year prison sentence for Ellery Brent Yazzie, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

On December 22, 2023, Yazzie fatally shot his father and brother, shot and seriously injured his sister, and tried to shoot his mother in their family home in Pinehill, New Mexico. The shocking scene unfolded in the morning hours of that day.

Yazzie's attempt to take his own life was thwarted, as he managed to survive the ordeal.

Following a thorough investigation by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department, Yazzie was brought to justice.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, announced the sentencing today.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case, which will serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violence within families.

Upon his release from prison, Yazzie will be subject to five years of supervised release.

The case serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and seeking help when needed. If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, there are resources available to help. Please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit their website at www.thehotline.org for support.

In New Mexico, the Office of the Attorney General provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence. You can visit their website at www.attorneygeneral.state.nm.us for more information.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/pinehill-man-receives-27-and-half-year-prison-sentence-fatal-family-shooting