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Press Release

U.S. Attorney and FBI Charge Kirtland Man Following Violent Altercation

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – A Kirtland man was charged by criminal complaint with assault with a dangerous weapon and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime after allegedly attacking his parents with a handgun at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation.

Jerome Weaver, 21, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared before a federal judge today and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 9, 2024, Weaver allegedly assaulted his parents at their home on the Navajo Nation reservation near Shiprock. Weaver is accused of striking his father multiple times with a handgun, causing injuries. He also allegedly choked his mother and held her at gunpoint. Weaver’s father was transported to the Northern Navajo Medical Center where he was treated for injuries to his face.

If convicted of the current charges, Weaver faces from seven years to life in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI 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 Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee 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.

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Updated July 16, 2024

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 24-247