Tuba City Man Sentenced to 23 Years in Prison for Second Degree Murder

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Brandon Hyden, 40, of Tuba City, Arizona, was sentenced Dec. 16, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 23 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for Second Degree Murder, and five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, to be served concurrently. Hyden previously pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder and Assault with a Dangerous Weapon.

“Hyden has been brought to account for his senseless acts of violence that took a life and forever altered others,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine.  “While no sentence can undo the pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the Tuba City community, this outcome reflects our commitment to justice. We thank our partners at the FBI, ATF and Navajo Nation Police Department for their diligent work in this case.”

“This sentence certainly reflects the senseless violence of this case and underscores our office’s commitment to protecting all communities in Arizona and ensuring that justice is served throughout the state,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes on our tribal lands, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those individuals who commit these heinous acts of violence.”

On Jan. 26, 2025, Hyden murdered an unarmed victim by shooting him six times in a parking lot at a business in Tuba City, Arizona. Approximately thirty minutes later, Hyden shot another unarmed victim four times in a residential area within the Tuba City limits. The second victim survived his gunshot wounds after several weeks of hospitalization and intensive medical treatment.

Hyden is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.

The FBI, Navajo Nation Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) conducted the investigation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, prosecuted the case.

CASE NUMBER:            CR-25-08026-PCT-DJH

RELEASE NUMBER:    2026-002_Hyden

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

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