Sheep Spring Man Charged in Stabbing

ALBUQUERQUE – A Sheep Spring man has been charged in federal court with assault after allegedly stabbing another individual.

According to court documents, on July 12, 2026, Justin Brown, 50, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, attended a gathering in Sheep Springs, New Mexico. After arriving, Brown allegedly became aggressive and, during an ensuing confrontation, stabbed another individual in the left forearm and inflicted cuts on the victim's abdomen and back. The victim fled the scene in a vehicle with another adult and four minor children while Brown allegedly attempted to gain access to the vehicle and pursued it as it drove away.

Medical records showed the victim suffered a stab wound to the left forearm requiring 16 staples, as well as superficial cuts to the abdomen and back.

The investigation further revealed that, earlier in the evening, Brown allegedly threatened another attendee with a box cutter-style knife and sent threatening text messages before the assault. Witnesses reported that a second victim also suffered a cut during the incident.

During a post-arrest interview with investigators, Brown allegedly admitted to using a box cutter to stab the male victim and cut a female victim. Brown claimed he acted because he believed the victims were attempting to harm him.

Brown is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Brown faces up to 10 years in prison. 

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

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.