ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A man from Shiprock has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for a violent attack on his former girlfriend that left her with serious injuries.
Tyrell Lee Johnson, 29, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was convicted of assault stemming from an incident that took place in November 2024. The victim, identified as Jane Doe, was stopped with her sister at a road construction site when Johnson approached their vehicle and initiated a brutal assault. He struck Jane Doe multiple times, stabbed her in the abdomen, and fled the scene after hitting her with his vehicle.
Medical reports indicated that Jane Doe suffered significant injuries, including an abdominal stab wound, along with bruises and abrasions throughout her body. The violent encounter has highlighted ongoing concerns about domestic violence within the community.
Following the incident, Navajo Police discovered Johnson’s vehicle in Cudei, N.M., where officers noticed damage to the front bumper. After a brief pursuit, they were able to apprehend him. During the arrest, law enforcement found a black folding knife in Johnson’s possession. Testing confirmed he had not been under the influence of alcohol at the time of his arrest.
The federal justice system does not offer parole, meaning Johnson will serve the entirety of his 48-month sentence. After his release, he will be subject to three years of supervised release, during which he will have to comply with specific conditions set by the court.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office expressed their commitment to addressing such violent crimes. They stressed the importance of community safety and the role of law enforcement agencies in investigating incidents of domestic violence.
The investigation into the case was carried out by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI, in collaboration with the Navajo Nation’s Department of Investigation and the Department of Criminal Investigations. Prosecutor Mark A. Probasco has been leading the case as part of ongoing efforts to bring justice to victims of violent crime in the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures against domestic violence, particularly in tribal communities where such issues often persist.