U.S. Attorney's Office Collaborates with FBI to Secure Guilty Plea in Shiprock Murder Case

ALBUQUERQUE – A Pinehill man pleaded guilty to charges of voluntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing during a family gathering in Shiprock.

According to court documents, on July 31, 2023, Kirtie Cohoe, 48, an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, attended a gathering at a relative's home in Shiprock, New Mexico. During the event, Cohoe and John Doe were alone in the kitchen when a dispute erupted. Cohoe lost self-control and, instead of walking away, stabbed John Doe multiple times in the torso with a knife.

After the incident, Cohoe fled the scene on foot, taking the weapon with him. Navajo Police Department officers responding to the call found John Doe deceased at the home. Cohoe was later apprehended in a nearby wooded area, with blood visible on his clothing. The weapon was recovered near Cohoe's wallet.

At sentencing, Cohoe faces 15 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cohoe will be subject to up to three 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.

This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau Investigation with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorneys Meg Tomlinson and Mark Probasco are prosecuting the case.

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