Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to second-degree murder for the 2025 killing of a woman on the Navajo Nation.

According to court documents, on November 15, 2025, Harlan Joe, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, unlawfully killed Jane Doe at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico, after a day of drinking. Joe admitted that he punched, kicked, and dragged Jane Doe on the ground and asphyxiated her, causing her death. When officers arrived at the residence, they found Jane Doe deceased outside the house with obvious signs of abuse and trauma and immediately detained Joe. During a subsequent interview, Joe stated that he knew what he was doing and that it was wrong.

Joe pleaded guilty to second degree murder and faces any number of years and up to life in prison at sentencing. 

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.