Pueblo Pintado Man Pleads Guilty in McKinley County Fatal Shooting

A 36 year old Pueblo Pintado man pleaded guilty in federal court after admitting he fatally shot another man following a night of heavy drinking and a physical altercation on March 17, 2025, in McKinley County. The defendant, Thurman Curley, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, entered guilty pleas to voluntary manslaughter and to using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico posted on November 13, 2025.

Curley faces a potential sentence of up to eight years in prison, and upon his release he will be subject to five years of supervised release. Sentencing has not been announced in the press notice. The victim in the case was identified as John Doe in court documents released by federal authorities.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation, working with the Navajo Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is prosecuting the case.

For McKinley County residents the case underscores several local concerns. The involvement of federal and tribal law enforcement agencies points to the complex relationship between tribal sovereignty, local policing, and federal jurisdiction in investigating serious violent crimes. The facts reported by prosecutors also raise questions about alcohol related conflict in the community and the resources available for violence prevention and support for families affected by loss.

Local leaders and service providers have in recent years emphasized addiction services, crisis intervention and improved coordination among law enforcement to reduce deadly encounters. This prosecution may bring a measure of accountability under federal law, while also prompting renewed attention to prevention and support systems that could reduce similar tragedies.

The case illustrates how violent incidents in McKinley County can draw federal scrutiny and cross jurisdictional partnerships. As the community processes the outcome and prepares for sentencing, residents and local officials will likely evaluate both the criminal justice response and the broader public health measures needed to address underlying causes of alcohol related violence.