Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Assault and Federal Firearms Offense

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to assault and firearms charges after shooting a victim in the stomach during a late-night confrontation on the Navajo Nation reservation.

According to publicly available court documents, on May 29, 2023, Tyrell Willie, 38, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove to John Doe's residence within the Navajo Nation reservation. When John Doe exited his home, Willie turned off his headlights and fired two shots from the driver's seat, with one round striking Doe in the stomach. Willie then fled the scene.

Shortly after, Navajo Nation Police Officers conducted a high-risk stop on Willie's vehicle. Willie exited the truck holding a loaded shotgun but dropped it after being commanded to do so by officers. He was then taken into custody.

The victim suffered serious bodily injury requiring immediate life-saving surgery.

The Court ordered that Willie remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.

At sentencing, Willie faces between 7 and 12 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Willie will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

FBI Farmington Agency investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley is prosecuting the case.

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