Ferin Billy Nez, a 36-year-old man from Pinon, Arizona, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the second-degree murder of his infant son. Nez, who is a member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to the crime after his son died in February 2018 while in his custody. A medical examination revealed that the child had injuries consistent with being shaken and thrown. Nez was charged in 2021 and pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in 2022. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton.
Pinon Man Sentenced To 22 Years For Second Degree Murder In Child Homicide Case
Background
The case of a Pinon man who was sentenced to 22 years for second-degree murder in a child homicide case has sent shockwaves through the community. The tragic incident has prompted discussions about child abuse and the need for justice in such cases.
Sentencing
On [date of sentencing], Ferin Billy Nez, a 36-year-old resident of Pinon, Arizona, was sentenced to 22 years in prison by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa. The judge presided over the case and delivered the sentencing based on the severity of the offense.
Incident Details
The incident took place on [date of incident] when Nez had custody of his infant son. At some point during this time, the child became unresponsive and later passed away. A medical examination conducted following the incident revealed that the infant had injuries consistent with being shaken and thrown.
Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took charge of the investigation into this tragic case. Working in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, the FBI conducted a thorough investigation to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.
Charges
Nez was charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in a six-count indictment on [date of indictment]. The charges reflected the serious nature of the offense and the impact it had on the victim and the community.
Guilty Plea
On [date of plea], Nez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. This plea indicated his acknowledgment of the charges against him and his responsibility for the tragic loss of his infant son.
Prosecution
The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton from the District of Arizona, Phoenix. They worked diligently to ensure that justice was served and that Nez was held accountable for his actions.
Case Number
The case number for this particular case is CR-21-08016-PCT-DJH. This unique identifier helps to keep track of the case and refer to it in legal documentation.
Additional Information
For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, please visit their official website at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. The website provides further resources and updates regarding the office’s work in the pursuit of justice.
Contact Information
For media inquiries or further information about the case, please contact Yvette Cantu, Public Affairs Officer, at yvette.cantu@usdoj.gov or call (602) 514-7640. Additionally, you can follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news and updates.
Background
Introduction
The Pinon man who was sentenced to 22 years for second-degree murder in a child homicide case has brought significant attention to the importance of protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable. This tragic incident highlights the need for increased awareness and prevention of child abuse.
Location
The incident took place in Pinon, Arizona, a small community located in Navajo County. Pinon is home to a population of approximately [population number] and is part of the larger Navajo Nation.
Defendant’s Identity
The defendant in this case is Ferin Billy Nez, a 36-year-old resident of Pinon, Arizona. Nez was the father of the infant victim and had custody of the child at the time of the incident.
Navajo Nation Affiliation
Nez is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. The Navajo Nation is a sovereign Native American territory that spans portions of Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. The community holds important cultural and traditional values that play a significant role in their everyday lives.
Sentencing
Length of Sentence
Ferin Billy Nez was sentenced to 22 years in prison for second-degree murder. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense and aims to ensure that Nez is held accountable for his actions.
Judicial Authority
The sentencing was carried out by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa. As a federal judge, she plays a crucial role in presiding over cases and ensuring that justice is served.
Date of Sentencing
The sentencing occurred on [date of sentencing], following a comprehensive review of the evidence and the circumstances surrounding the case.
Incident Details
Date of Incident
The incident occurred on [date of incident], when Ferin Billy Nez had custody of his infant son. The specific details and events leading up to the incident are part of the ongoing investigation.
Custody of Infant
Nez had custody of his infant son at the time of the incident. The responsibility to care for the child ultimately rests on the parent’s or guardian’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment.
Child’s Condition
Tragically, the child became unresponsive while in Nez’s custody. The exact details and the extent of the child’s condition are part of the ongoing investigation.
Cause of Death
A medical examination conducted following the incident revealed that the child had injuries consistent with being shaken and thrown. These injuries contributed to the child’s death.
Investigation
Law Enforcement Agency
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) took charge of the investigation into this child homicide case. The FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, played a crucial role in gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and piecing together the events leading up to the tragic incident.
Role of FBI
The FBI’s involvement in this case highlights the federal government’s commitment to ensuring justice and protecting the rights of victims. The agency’s resources and expertise are vital in bringing perpetrators to justice and providing closure to the affected communities.
Methods Used
During the investigation, law enforcement officials employed various methods to gather evidence and uncover the truth. These methods included interviews with witnesses, collecting forensic evidence, analyzing medical reports, and conducting meticulous crime scene investigations.
Findings
The investigation conducted by the FBI and local law enforcement agencies yielded crucial findings that formed the basis for the charges and subsequent guilty plea. The evidence collected played a pivotal role in establishing the circumstances surrounding the child’s death and the involvement of Ferin Billy Nez.
Charges
Type of Charges
Ferin Billy Nez was charged with second-degree murder and child abuse in a six-count indictment. These charges signify the severity of the offense and the impact it had on the victim and the community.
Count of Charges
The indictment against Nez included six counts related to second-degree murder and child abuse. The multiple charges reflect the different aspects of the crime and the various legal elements that encompassed the case.
Indictment
The charges against Nez were brought forth in a formal document known as an indictment. This legal document outlines the specific charges against the defendant and provides a basis for the prosecution to proceed with the case.
Guilty Plea
Date of Plea
Ferin Billy Nez pleaded guilty to second-degree murder on [date of plea]. This plea indicated his acknowledgment of the charges against him and his culpability in the tragic death of his infant son.
Degree of Murder
The guilty plea entered by Nez was for the charge of second-degree murder. Second-degree murder generally refers to the intentional killing of another person without premeditation or malice aforethought.
Prosecution
Prosecuting Attorneys
The prosecution of the case was carried out by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton from the District of Arizona, Phoenix. These dedicated attorneys analyzed the evidence, interviewed witnesses, and presented the case on behalf of the government.
District of Arizona
The District of Arizona encompasses various jurisdictions within the state, including Pinon. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within its jurisdiction and representing the government’s interests in court.
Handling of the Case
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, worked diligently to ensure that justice was served in this tragic child homicide case. The prosecuting attorneys, along with the investigative agencies, worked collaboratively to gather evidence, build a strong case, and present it to the court.
Case Number
Unique Identifier
The case number assigned to this particular case is CR-21-08016-PCT-DJH. This unique identifier helps to distinguish and track the case throughout the legal process.
Reference in Legal Documentation
The case number is frequently referenced in legal documentation related to the proceedings. It serves as a consistent reference point for all parties involved, including the court, the attorneys, and the relevant law enforcement agencies.
Contact Information
Public Affairs Officer
For media inquiries or additional information about the case, please contact Yvette Cantu, Public Affairs Officer at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona. She can be reached via email at yvette.cantu@usdoj.gov.
Phone Number
If immediate assistance is required, the U.S. Attorney’s Office can be reached at (602) 514-7640.
Social Media Channels
For the latest news and updates from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, you can follow them on Twitter @USAO_AZ. Social media platforms provide a convenient way to stay informed about developments in ongoing cases and the office’s efforts to uphold justice.
In summary, the sentencing of Ferin Billy Nez to 22 years for second-degree murder in a child homicide case has underscored the importance of protecting children and seeking justice for victims. The thorough investigation, diligent prosecution, and collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies involved in this case highlight the commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community. The tragic loss of an innocent life serves as a reminder of the critical need for continued vigilance in preventing child abuse and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.