Enrolled member of the Navajo Nation Quinten Smith, 21, of Mexican Springs, N.M., was charged Oct. 4 in federal court with a killing on the Navajo Nation. He will remain in custody pending trial.
According to a criminal complaint, Smith and others went to the home of the victim, identified as John Doe, on Sept. 24 to confront him. When they arrived, an argument turned physical. During the fight, Smith allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the back using a pocketknife. Smith and the others who were with him are believed to have fled the scene.
Doe, also an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, who lived on the Navajo Nation, was found dead at his home.
If convicted, Smith could face life in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office and the Navajo Police Department investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
Staff Reports
