Michael Shebala, Violent Crime, New Mexico 2021

A violent crime spree that left a stranger hospitalized and a cousin brutally assaulted has landed a 37-year-old man from Zuni, New Mexico, in federal prison for 10 years and one day. Michael Shebala, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was sentenced for shooting a man in the chest and brutally assaulting his cousin in separate incidents in early 2021.

The violent crime spree began on February 18, 2021, when Shebala shot a man in the chest at the Route 66 Travel Center on Laguna Pueblo after an argument over face mask requirements. The victim, who was traveling from Arizona to Arkansas, was hospitalized for a week with serious injuries.

Approximately two weeks later, on March 5, 2021, Shebala shot his cousin in the leg during an argument. He then kicked the victim in the face and beat him with a baseball bat, causing multiple fractures.

According to court documents, Shebala's violent behavior continued, causing harm to innocent victims. His actions have been condemned by law enforcement officials and community members alike.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today. The FBI Albuquerque Violent Crimes and Gangs Task Force investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department, Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office. The United States Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico prosecuted the case.

Shebala will serve his 10-year prison sentence and will be subject to three years of supervised release upon his release from prison. There is no parole in the federal system.

Michael Shebala, 37, was convicted of violent crimes, including shooting a stranger and brutally assaulting his cousin.

Defendant: Michael Shebala

Criminal Charges: Violent crimes, including shooting a stranger and brutally assaulting his cousin

City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico

Date: February 18, 2021 (shooting), March 5, 2021 (assaulting cousin)

Sentence: 10 years and one day in federal prison, three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/us-attorney-secures-10-year-prison-sentence-violent-offender