Laurice Montoya, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2024

Deadly Altercation on Jicarilla Apache Reservation

In a shocking turn of events, 37-year-old Laurice Montoya appeared in federal court on March 28 for a preliminary and detention hearing facing a charge of voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

According to a criminal complaint, on January 19, Montoya’s argument with a man, later identified as [redacted] – an enrolled member of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, turned deadly. The incident occurred at Montoya’s home on the Jicarilla Apache Reservation.

Prosecutors allege that Montoya pushed [redacted] over a couch, helped him to his feet, and then struck him twice across the back of his head with a snow shovel. Approximately four hours later, a friend arrived at the residence and called 911. Emergency Medical Services of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe transported [redacted] to the San Juan Regional Medical Center, where he later died.

Doctors found that [redacted] had sustained traumatic brain injury, a rib fracture, severe bruising on his upper body, and two cuts on his scalp.

Montoya and [redacted] are both enrolled members of the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.

If convicted, Montoya faces up to 15 years in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Jicarilla Apache Police and the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Aliberti is prosecuting the case.

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