A brutal fight turned deadly on Dec. 31, 2016, when a Ramah man stabbed a fellow Navajo to death, leaving a family in mourning and a community shaken. Nochise Martinez, 23, was arrested on Jan. 4, 2017, and charged with voluntary manslaughter.
Martinez, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque, New Mexico, today, where he pled guilty to a felony information charging him with voluntary manslaughter. The plea agreement, reached with the prosecution, calls for Martinez to serve 48 months in prison, followed by a term of supervised release to be determined by the court.
According to the criminal complaint, Martinez stabbed the victim multiple times during a fight, resulting in the victim’s death. Martinez admitted to the crime during today’s proceedings, admitting that he killed the victim by stabbing him in the chest with a knife.
The Gallup office of the FBI investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Spindle is prosecuting the matter.
Martinez remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
The community is still grappling with the aftermath of the tragic event, and many are seeking justice for the victim and his family.
As Martinez awaits his sentencing, the Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Mandatory Facts:
Defendant/Respondent: Nochise Martinez
Criminal Charges: Voluntary Manslaughter
City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Exact Date: Dec. 31, 2016 (crime date), Jan. 4, 2017 (arrest date)
Sentence or Outcome: 48 months in prison, followed by supervised release
Related Federal Cases
- Nochise Martinez, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Randy Payton, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2016 · Colorado
- Rob Begay, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Tracey Beaver, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2016 · Colorado
- Paul Raymond Garcia, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2015 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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