Thurman Curley, 35, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has been charged with murder in federal court after a fatal shooting that occurred during an altercation on March 17, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced on March 25.
The incident unfolded in Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico, around 1 a.m. when Curley and the victim had been drinking at a residence. The altercation began as a verbal argument, which quickly escalated into a physical fight.
Witnesses reported hearing multiple threats before a gunshot rang out. They then saw Curley standing outside the residence holding a handgun, according to court documents. Officers with the Navajo Nation Police Department arrived after a 911 call and found the victim on the ground with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Despite attempts by emergency medical personnel to save the victim, he was pronounced dead at the scene. FBI agents recovered a black Springfield 9mm handgun and a spent shell casing near the residence.
In a post-arrest interview, Curley admitted to drawing the weapon during the altercation and firing a single round. He was taken into custody and later released under court-imposed conditions.
If convicted, Curley faces up to life in federal prison. A trial date has not yet been scheduled, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
