MAN FROM SHIPROCK CHARGED WITH MURDER OF WOMAN IN INDIAN COUNTRY

U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of New Mexico
12 July 2019

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ALBUQUERQUE – Tavor Tom, 18, of Shiprock, N.M. appeared in federal court today on a criminal complaint charging him with murder in Indian Country.

According to the criminal complaint, Tom allegedly committed this offense on July 1, 2019. He went to the victim’s home and stabbed her repeatedly with a knife. The victim died at the scene. Tom stole the victim’s automobile and fled the residence. Police later found him after he crashed the vehicle.

The FBI arrested Tom on July 5, 2019. He appeared in court today for a detention hearing where the judge ordered him to remain in custody pending trial. He faces up to life in prison if convicted. A criminal complaint is only an allegation. A Defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The FBI investigated this case with the Navajo Nation Criminal Investigation Section and the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.

Press Release Number: 19-102

Date	Document Name & Details	Documents
3 July 2019 filing date	United States of America v. Tavor Tom Indictment United States District Court, District of New Mexico	PDF - 962KB - 8 pages