Law | National

Teen admits guilt for brutal murders of two Navajo Nation men

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Navajo Nation leaders meet with Albuquerque Mayor Richard J. Berry in July 2014 to discuss the brutal murders of two tribal members in New Mexico's largest city. Photo by Rick Abasta / Office of the Navajo Nation President

A 16-year-old in Albuquerque, New Mexico, pleaded guilty on Wednesday in connection with the brutal murders of two men from the Navajo Nation.

Gilbert Tafoya was 15 years old when he was accused of attacking Alison Gorman, 44, and Kee Thompson, 45, in July 2014. The two men were brutally beaten so badly that authorities said their bodies were unrecognizable.

Tafoya pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder, armed robbery, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, tampering with evidence and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. He is expected to be sentenced to a maximum of 20 years but the terms of his deal could result in his release after he turns 21, The Albuquerque Journal reported.

Tafoya also agreed to testify against two co-defendants. Nathaniel Carrillo, 17, and Alex Rios, 19, are facing a trial on October 20.

Alison Gorman and Kee Thompson were killed in a lot near the intersection of 60th and Central NW in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Image from Google Maps

The incident drew attention to the mistreatment of Native Americans, some of them homeless, in New Mexico's largest city. At the urging of Navajo leaders, the city formed a task force that issued 14 recommendations, including the appointment of a tribal liaison.

“By appointing a tribal liaison and putting resources toward cultural competency training, we are establishing a solid foundation to help address homelessness and lessen its impact among Native Americans in Albuquerque,” Sherrick Roanhorse, a Navajo citizen who served as chairman of the Native American Homelessness Task Force, said in a press release last month. “Addressing homelessness is an ongoing challenge that will require ongoing collaboration and partnerships between the city, tribes, non-profit partners, and private sector.”

Get the Story:
One of three teens accused of beating homeless men to death takes plea deal (The Albuquerque Journal 9/17)
Teen pleads guilty to deadly homeless beatings (KOAT 9/16)
Teen pleads guilty in beating death of homeless Albuquerque men (KRQE 9/16)
Teen pleads guilty in 2014 murder of homeless men (KOB 9/16)