McKINLEY COUNTY, N.M. (TCD) — Three Navajo Nation members face charges after allegedly kidnapping and killing a Zuni man with a ligature in Indian Country in 2020.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, between Feb. 6 and Feb. 15, 2020, 44-year-old Camille Damon and 40-year-old Ronald Belone of New Mexicao and 38-year-old Tyran Begay of Arizona allegedly kidnapped the victim, then brought the man to a remote location near Smith Lake, New Mexico. The U.S. attorney’s office only identified the victim as John Doe.
The indictment alleges Damon, Belone, and Begay restrained John Doe, then killed him “willfully, deliberately, maliciously, and with premeditation, by beating and strangulation.”
The suspects reportedly kidnapped John Doe for “some purpose and benefit,” which was not disclosed by officials.
On Thursday, Jan. 4, the U.S. attorney’s office said Damon, Belone, and Begay appeared in federal court, and they were charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping resulting in death.
Begay remains in custody pending a trial, which has not yet been set. Damon and Belone were remanded to temporary custody pending their detention hearing, which was set for Friday, Jan. 5.
The three suspects face life in prison if convicted.
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