Authorities in New Mexico discovered a Native American man dead on a remote gravel road in western New Mexico in January. The victim, a Navajo man known only as John Doe, was found with one sock on, his clothes missing, and trails of blood around him. Investigators believe he was struck in the head. Security camera footage showed him near a convenience store in Gallup before his death. A man from Zuni Pueblo has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death, and is also a suspect in crimes targeting Native American men in the area. Authorities are working on solving the series of crimes with the help of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons outreach program established by the U.S. Department of Justice. The program aims to improve communication and coordination between federal, tribal, state, and local jurisdictions to address violent crimes in Indian Country effectively.
On May 5, people across the nation came together to advocate for justice for missing and murdered Indigenous persons. In Albuquerque, family members and advocates participated in a prayer walk to honor victims of violence and call for answers and justice. The emotional day highlighted the challenges faced by Native American communities in seeking justice for their loved ones. Geraldine Toya of Jemez Pueblo marched to bring awareness to the death of her daughter, vowing to support other families going through similar struggles. The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico stated that the outreach program is beginning to show positive results by bridging gaps between agencies and identifying patterns that impact all communities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliot Neal oversees MMIP cases for a region spanning several states, focusing on improving communication, building relationships with Native communities, and making the justice system more accessible to the public.
The Department of Justice has awarded $268 million in grants to tribal justice systems to address child abuse, domestic and sexual violence, and bolster victim services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree Black Horse prosecutes MMIP cases in a five-state region, working with advocacy groups to identify unresolved cases and establish lines of communication with law enforcement. Black Horse, an enrolled member of the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, emphasized the importance of addressing disparities and trauma experienced by Indigenous communities. While progress is being made, it will require a paradigm shift to change the perception that nothing is being done to address violence against Indigenous people. The man charged in the New Mexico case, Labar Tsethlikai, pleaded not guilty in court and remains in custody as authorities continue to investigate multiple cases involving other potential victims.
In the case of John Doe, investigators are piecing together evidence to link Labar Tsethlikai to the crimes. Tsethlikai is accused of targeting individuals who were homeless or in need of alcohol to satisfy his sexual desires, according to court documents. The prosecution argues that no conditions of release would keep the community safe, citing cell phone data and DNA evidence allegedly linking Tsethlikai to the crimes. The man has been charged in connection with at least 10 other victims and is under investigation for additional cases. The goal for prosecutors is to focus on a few key cases to prevent further violence and keep the suspect off the streets. As federal prosecutors and coordinators work to address MMIP cases, the focus remains on improving communication, building relationships with Native communities, and providing support for families seeking justice for their loved ones.
