ALBUQUERQUE — An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation appeared in federal court July 9 for arraignment on an indictment charging him with a second-degree murder that occurred in March.

According to the indictment and other court records Blaine Morgan, 35, of Crownpoint, N.M. attended a small gathering March 29 in a trailer within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation in Church Rock, N.M.

An argument started between Morgan and the victim and the two left the trailer and went outside. Morgan reportedly fought with the victim and stabbed the victim several times.

The victim was later pronounced dead at Gallup Indian Medical Center.

The FBI arrested Morgan July 6. He is in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

Indictments are only allegations. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Gallup office of the FBI investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department. Assistant U. S. Attorney Jenniver Rozzoni is prosecuting the case.