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Man Sentenced to 8 Months for Setting Home Ablaze
ALBUQUERQUE – A federal judge handed down an 8-month prison sentence to Ulrick Bruce Canyon, 41, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, for burning down a residence in Two Grey Hills, New Mexico, a community within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation.
There is no parole in the federal system, meaning Canyon will have to serve the full 8 months without the possibility of early release.
According to publicly available court records, on Aug. 28, 2023, Canyon started a fire at the residence by pouring lighter fluid in the bedrooms, lit the fire with a match and threw two propane tanks into the fire. He then left the residence with a wheelbarrow full of his clothing, at which time he was intercepted by Navajo Nation Police officers.
When questioned by a Navajo Nation Criminal Investigator, Canyon admitted to using marijuana and meth. On the day of the incident, Canyon said that he had been hearing voices and they had told him to “put the house on fire.”
Upon his release from prison, Canyon will be subject to 3 years of supervised release, where he will be under the watchful eye of federal authorities. This is just the beginning of Canyon’s punishment for his heinous crime.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case. U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.
While an 8-month sentence may seem lenient to some, it’s essential to remember that Canyon’s actions had severe consequences, leaving a family without a home and causing irreparable damage to the community. Canyon’s actions were a reckless display of disregard for human life and property.
The Navajo Nation and surrounding communities can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served, but it’s crucial to acknowledge the severity of Canyon’s crime and the impact it had on those affected.
As Canyon begins his 8-month sentence, he will have plenty of time to reflect on his actions and the harm he caused. When he’s released, he’ll be under close supervision, ensuring that he doesn’t repeat his mistakes.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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