U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico Announces Intent to Seek Death Penalty Against Labar Tsethlikai

ALBUQUERQUE – Today, the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico filed a Notice of Intent to seek the death penalty against Labar Tsethlikai.

Tsethlikai, 52, an enrolled Member of Zuni Pueblo, is charged in a 17-count Second Superseding Indictment as follows:

• Count 1 (October 22, 2022): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 1
• Count 2 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Murder of John Doe 2
• Count 3 (January 18, 2024): First Degree Felony Murder of John Doe 2
• Count 4 (January 18, 2024): Kidnapping Resulting in Death of John Doe 2
• Count 5 (May 19, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 3
• Count 6 (June 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 4
• Count 7 (June 15, 2023): Assault with Intent to Commit Murder of John Doe 4
• Count 8 (June 15, 2023): Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury of John Doe 4
• Count 9 (July 13, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 5
• Count 10 (July 13, 2023): Aggravated Sexual Abuse of John Doe 5
• Count 11 (August 24, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 6
• Count 12 (August 24, 2023): Assault with a Dangerous Weapon of John Doe 6
• Count 13 (September 7, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 7
• Count 14 (September 15, 2023): Kidnapping of John Doe 8
• Count 15 (February 16, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 9
• Count 16 (April 5, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 10
• Count 17 (April 11, 2024): Kidnapping of John Doe 11

The maximum penalty for the kidnapping resulting in death charges is death, and Attorney General Bondi has authorized and directed the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico to pursue capital punishment in this case. Consistent with that authorization, the U.S. Attorney filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against Tsethlikai.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office is investigating this case with assistance from the Albuquerque Police Department’s Homicide Unit, Sex Crimes Unit, and Air Support Unit. Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew J. McGinley and Jack E. Burkhead are prosecuting the case.

The FBI continues to investigate Tsethlikai’s involvement in crimes against other victims. If you have reason to believe you or someone you know may be a victim, or have information about Tsethlikai, please call the FBI at (505) 889-1300 or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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