Three Men Charged With Assault in New Mexico
Federal authorities have charged three suspects in connection with a violent assault in Nageezi.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Crime — General
Federal officials have charged Craig Yazzie, Angel Smith, and Manualito Begay with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. The men were taken into custody following an incident that left a victim with a collapsed lung and other injuries.
Why it matters
The case highlights the jurisdictional authority of federal agencies in addressing serious violent crimes occurring on tribal lands. Each of the three defendants, all enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, faces significant prison time if the charges are proven in court.
The three suspects, ages 35, 22, and 18, remain in custody pending a detention hearing. They face federal charges for using a sledgehammer and dumbbells to inflict serious injury, with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison upon conviction.
The players
Craig Yazzie
He is a 35-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who was arrested following the assault.
Angel Smith
He is a 22-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation charged in connection with the incident.
Manualito Begay
He is an 18-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation named as a defendant in the federal complaint.
The details
According to investigators, the three suspects entered a residence in Nageezi and utilized a sledgehammer and dumbbells to beat the victim. The attack resulted in the victim sustaining a collapsed lung, a head laceration, and multiple contusions.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: The assault occurred at a residence in Nageezi.
September 24, 2026: Law enforcement arrested the suspects at a home in Bloomfield.
Legal Context
This prosecution operates under the framework of the Major Crimes Act, which grants federal courts jurisdiction over specific offenses committed in Indian Country. The case reflects the ongoing federal oversight required when violent incidents occur within these jurisdictions.
The arrest and detention of the three suspects were executed by law enforcement at a residence in Bloomfield, removing the immediate threat to the community. No additional safety advisories have been issued for residents in the Nageezi or Bloomfield areas at this time.
The takeaway
Violent crimes occurring on tribal lands often trigger a federal investigation process that differs from state-level criminal proceedings. Defendants in these cases are subject to federal sentencing guidelines that carry potential multi-year prison terms upon conviction.
Further reading
For more on ongoing legal proceedings in the region, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Los Alamos Daily Post.
