Navajo Man Gets 30 Years for Brutal Killing

JEDDITO, AZ – Brian Riggs, 51, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, will spend the next three decades in federal prison for the brutal killing of a person he was intimately involved with. The February 2019 murder took place on the vast Navajo Nation Indian Reservation in Arizona, and the scene, according to sources close to the investigation, was horrific. Riggs was the sole other person present when emergency services arrived.

The victim sustained widespread injuries, the specifics of which remain shielded from public view. Paramedics pronounced the victim dead at the scene. While the feds have remained tight-lipped on exact details, sources confirm the injuries were extensive, indicating a prolonged and violent assault. The lack of transparency regarding the victim’s injuries is standard practice in cases involving extreme violence, aimed at protecting surviving family members from further trauma.

The investigation quickly became a joint operation between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. The sheer size of the reservation—over 27,000 square miles—presents unique challenges for law enforcement, making collaboration with federal agencies essential. Investigators spent months piecing together the events leading up to the murder, interviewing potential witnesses, and collecting forensic evidence.

Riggs was ultimately charged with second-degree murder. The seven-day trial, overseen by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi, saw Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Van Buskirk and Brian Kasprzyk methodically present their case. While the defense mounted a challenge, the evidence proved damning. Riggs was found guilty and sentenced to 30 years behind bars, followed by five years of supervised release.

The 30-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the vulnerability of the victim, particularly given the intimate nature of their relationship. Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue within Indian Country, often compounded by jurisdictional complexities and limited resources. This case underscores the need for increased funding and support for tribal law enforcement and victim services.

While this conviction provides a measure of closure for the victim’s family, it also serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against violence on the Navajo Nation. The feds have not released information regarding potential appeals. Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and report any further developments. Those seeking resources for victims of domestic violence can find information at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

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