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Double Homicide Rocks Pinehill Community
A chilling crime has shaken the small town of Pinehill, New Mexico, leaving two residents dead and another fighting for life. Ellery Brent Yazzie, a 36-year-old Navajo Nation member, has been charged with murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to the criminal complaint, on December 22, 2023, a verbal argument at a residence in Pinehill escalated into a deadly shooting. Yazzie allegedly shot his father, sister, and brother, leaving two males deceased and himself with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
The witness, who had attempted to drive the third victim to the hospital, linked up with an ambulance en route, which transported the victim to Zuni Hospital. Physicians advised that the victim sustained life-threatening injuries and would have died without timely medical care.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated the case with assistance from the Ramah Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Caitlin L. Dillon and Jena Ritchey are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted on the current charges, Yazzie faces up to life in prison.
Yazzie will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently not scheduled. The victims, all enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, were from the same family.
This disturbing case serves as a grim reminder of the devastating impact of gun violence in our communities. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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