Navajo Nation Woman Pleads Guilty to 2024 Shooting Assault

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Beverleta Tayah pleaded guilty Tuesday to assault charges for shooting and seriously injuring a man in 2024 on the Navajo Nation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced.

The plea covers Tayah’s admitted conduct in the assault that left the victim with serious injuries. Federal prosecutors charged the case in U.S. District Court for the District of New Mexico under statutes governing assault resulting in serious bodily injury on Indian country land.

The guilty plea resolves the criminal charges against Tayah. A sentencing date has not been set. Under federal sentencing guidelines, the conviction carries a statutory maximum and will require the court to consider the seriousness of the injury inflicted, Tayah’s criminal history and other factors before imposing a prison term, supervised release and restitution.

The outcome triggers standard post-plea procedures: preparation of a presentence investigation report by the U.S. Probation Office, an opportunity for the victim to submit an impact statement, and a final sentencing hearing. Once sentenced, Tayah will begin serving any term of imprisonment.

The Navajo Nation’s law enforcement and judicial authorities coordinated with federal investigators on the original case.

This marks the latest federal prosecution resolved by guilty plea involving violent crime on the Navajo Nation. The U.S. Attorney’s Office has pursued dozens of assault and firearms cases on the reservation in the past two years under its priority to address violent crime in Indian country.

Federal law gives the United States jurisdiction over serious felonies committed by Native Americans on tribal land.

The plea was entered before U.S. District Judge in the District of New Mexico. Tayah remains in custody pending sentencing.