Nathaniel Willie Cortez, Domestic Assault by Strangling, Arizona 2019

A brutal domestic assault on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation has landed a White Cone man behind bars. Nathaniel Willie Cortez, 39, was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow ruled on November 12, 2019.

Cortez, who had previously pleaded guilty to one count of domestic assault by strangling or suffocation, admitted to strangling the victim, with whom he was in a romantic relationship, in 2018. The assault took place on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, where both Cortez and the victim are tribal members.

The FBI and the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations led the investigation into the crime, gathering evidence and building a case against the defendant. The prosecution was handled by Krista Wood and Amy Chang, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Cortez’s sentence is a harsh reminder of the severity of domestic violence crimes. The Navajo Nation Indian Reservation has struggled with high rates of domestic violence, and law enforcement agencies have made a concerted effort to address the issue.

U.S. District Judge G. Murray Snow delivered the sentence in federal court, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime. The judge’s decision reflects a commitment to holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable for their actions.

The case serves as a warning to those who would commit similar crimes: the Justice System will not tolerate violence against intimate partners. Cortez’s sentence is a testament to the bravery of the victim who came forward and shared their story.

The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones during this difficult time.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, has vowed to continue its efforts to combat domestic violence and protect the rights of victims. We will be watching this case closely and holding perpetrators accountable.

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