This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
A Navajo man has admitted shooting and killing a fellow tribe member last year on the Navajo Nation reservation in southeastern Utah,
following an argument that was preceded by drinking.
Raymus Sheldon Whitehorse, 26, pleaded guilty Tuesday in U.S. District Court to one count of "manslaughter within Indian Country" for the August death of Anthony Judy.
Whitehorse faces up to 15 years in a federal prison when he is sentenced on Oct. 4 by Judge Dee Benson.
The defendant said in plea agreement document that in the early morning hours of Aug. 28, after a night of drinking, he went to Judy's home and continued to drink with him.
At some point, they got into an argument, which became physical.
During the fight, which continued outside, Whitehorse said that he had a 9mm handgun.
When the fight broke up and Judy began walking way, Whitehorse shot him in the back "out of anger," Whitehorse said in the plea document.
Court documents note that both Whitehorse and Judy are enrolled members of the Navajo tribe and that the homicide occurred on the Navajo reservation.