An Arizona man has admitted guilt to federal charges after assaulting a woman with a rifle following her attempt to intervene in what she thought was a domestic violence situation.
Court documents state that on August 24, 2024, Jane Doe 2 witnessed Curley Nakai Jr., 25, a member of the Navajo Nation, involved in what appeared to be a domestic dispute with Jane Doe 1. Jane Doe 2 followed the pickup truck carrying Nakai to the parking lot of Basha’s grocery store.
In the parking lot, Nakai exited the vehicle holding a rifle. He made threatening gestures toward Jane Doe 2, pointed the rifle at her, and told her to leave. Jane Doe 2 drove away but stayed within the parking lot area. During this time, Jane Doe 1 left the vehicle and walked away.
Nakai pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He faces a minimum sentence of five years in prison and could receive up to life imprisonment.
“First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.”
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with help from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall.
