A brutal murder on the Navajo Indian Reservation in New Mexico has resulted in another guilty plea. Scott Thompson, 28, of Farmington, N.M., pled guilty today to a second degree murder charge arising out of the kidnapping and brutal murder of a 28-year-old Navajo woman.
The victim’s remains were recovered on December 9, 2013, after she had been reported missing in November 2013. Thompson, a 28-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted aiding and abetting the victim’s murder by participating in her kidnapping and taking actions that ultimately resulted in the victim’s death.
Thompson’s guilty plea was entered on , as part of a plea agreement that will sentence him to a term of imprisonment within the range of 252 to 360 months (21 to 30 years).
Thompson, Justin Benally, Mariah Benally, and LaSheena Jacquez are four of five individuals who were indicted in January 2014 on criminal charges arising from the kidnapping and murder of the victim on October 23, 2013.
The indictment also charged Patrick Benally, 26, of Kirtland, N.M., with first degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to kidnap. If convicted of the charges in the indictment, Patrick Benally faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment.
Thompson, Justin Benally, Mariah Benally, and Jacquez have been in federal custody since they were arrested and remain detained pending their sentencing hearings, which have yet to be scheduled. Each faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment.
Charges in indictments are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted in a court of law.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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