A brutal attack in Shiprock has left a community shaken as Matthew David Charley, a 30-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon.
According to court documents, on April 19, 2025, Charley stabbed a victim three times in the back without provocation, causing serious injury. This senseless act of violence has left many questioning the safety of their community.
The violent assault occurred in Shiprock, a small town on the Navajo Nation, where residents are still reeling from the attack. The victim, whose identity has not been released, suffered serious injuries and is currently recovering.
Charley, who pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, faces up to 10 years in prison at sentencing. This is a stark reminder of the consequences of violent crime and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
The investigation into the assault was led by the Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.
The guilty plea marks a significant step towards justice for the victim and the community. It serves as a reminder that violence will not be tolerated and that those who commit such crimes will face the full weight of the law.
Matthew David Charley, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, New Mexico 2025
Defendant: Matthew David Charley
Criminal Charges: Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
City and State: Shiprock, New Mexico
Exact Date: April 19, 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in prison
Related Federal Cases
- Gilbert John, Jr., Kidnapping and Murder, New Mexico 2019 · Puerto Rico
- Jeremiah Johnson, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Arizona 2015 · Arizona
- Waneka Rosebud Cornpeach, Assault with a dangerous weapon and Assault resulting in serious bodily injury, Utah 2022 · California
- Deandre Lamont Brown, Domestic Intimate Partner Assault, New Mexico · Puerto Rico
- Cornelia Tom Tapaha, DUI Assault with Vehicle, New Mexico · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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