A 7-year-old girl’s life was cut short in a devastating act of violence when Maylene John allegedly stabbed her in the chest on October 24, 2022.
The indictment alleges that John, 33, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, willfully caused the death of someone under the age of 18, making it a second-degree murder charge.
According to the indictment and other court records, John claimed not to know what precipitated the stabbing and that she “blacked out” after the incident.
Maylene John will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
If convicted, John faces up to life in prison. The FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case in the District of New Mexico.
The tragic incident serves as a harsh reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of addressing the root causes of such heinous crimes.
As the community comes together to support the family and friends of the young victim, the people of New Mexico demand justice for the little girl who lost her life to senseless violence.
The case is a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of our children and the need for continued efforts to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
A federal grand jury indicted John on May 24. The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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