Sterling Sonny Yazzie, Assault with a dangerous weapon, Arizona 2016

PHOENIX – Sterling Sonny Yazzie, a 41-year-old resident of Cove, Arizona, and a member of the Navajo Nation, has been sentenced to 80 months in prison for his role in a brutal assault that left a fellow Navajo man severely injured. Yazzie’s sentencing, which took place on April 27, 2016, was handed down by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa.

According to court records, Yazzie engaged in a verbal and physical fight with the victim on July 27, 2015, on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation. In the heat of the moment, Yazzie grabbed an axe and struck the victim in the leg and body with the axe handle, leaving the victim with severe pain and numerous large contusions on his legs. The victim’s injuries made it extremely difficult for him to walk.

The investigation into Yazzie’s actions was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Navajo Nation Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Kiyoko Patterson, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

Yazzie had previously pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon, a charge that carried significant weight in the courtroom. The sentence handed down by Judge Humetewa reflects the severity of Yazzie’s actions and the harm caused to the victim.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community safety and the consequences of violent behavior. As a member of the Navajo Nation, Yazzie’s actions not only harmed an individual but also brought shame to his community.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, is committed to holding individuals accountable for their actions, particularly those that result in harm to others. This case is a testament to the office’s dedication to justice and the rule of law.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit www.justice.gov/usao/az. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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