Fatal Beating on Navajo Nation Lands Results in Second Degree Murder Charge
ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico – A shocking crime has left one man dead and another behind bars. Keon Apachito, a 21-year-old man from To’Hajiilee, has been charged with second degree murder in the death of a Navajo man.
According to an indictment, Apachito and his co-defendant Cole Ray Shorty, 19, allegedly beat the victim on May 28, 2022, in retaliation for stealing an item from Shorty. The victim died two days later at the University of New Mexico Hospital.
The incident occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation. An indictment is only an allegation, and Apachito is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, he faces up to 17 years in prison.
Apachito appeared in federal court for a detention hearing and was released to a halfway house pending trial, which has not been scheduled. Meanwhile, his co-defendant, Cole Ray Shorty, will remain in custody pending trial.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
This senseless act of violence has left a family grieving and a community in shock. As this case moves forward, the public will be kept informed of any developments. In the meantime, our thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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