Federal Charges Filed After Fatal Shooting at Pueblo of Laguna Cemetery

A Cubero, New Mexico man has been charged federally following a fatal shooting that occurred during a confrontation at a cemetery within the Pueblo of Laguna, an incident that now falls under federal jurisdiction due to its location on tribal land.

According to court filings, Donald Thompson, 49, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, is charged with second-degree murder and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges stem from a January 1, 2026 incident in which Thompson allegedly shot and killed another Laguna Pueblo member during an altercation at a cemetery in Cubero.

Law enforcement officers responding to reports of gunfire found the victim deceased at the scene, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to the chest and back. Witness statements indicate that Thompson was armed with a rifle and fired a single round during the confrontation. Investigators report that Thompson later acknowledged discharging the weapon, asserting that he believed he was acting in self-defense.

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Federal Jurisdiction and Charges

Because the shooting occurred within the Pueblo of Laguna, the case is being prosecuted in federal court under statutes governing violent crimes in Indian Country. These laws assign investigative authority and prosecutorial jurisdiction to federal agencies when serious offenses occur on tribal land involving enrolled members.

Thompson’s charges carry severe potential penalties. If convicted, he faces up to life imprisonment under federal sentencing guidelines. He has been released on conditions pending further court proceedings. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

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Investigation and Enforcement

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Federal authorities emphasized the coordinated role of tribal, federal, and regional law enforcement in responding to violent crime on sovereign land.

The announcement of the charges was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan.

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Legal Context

Federal prosecutors note that a criminal complaint represents an allegation, not a determination of guilt. Thompson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Claims of self-defense will be evaluated through evidentiary review, witness testimony, and forensic analysis as the case proceeds.

Authorities have not released further details regarding the nature of the confrontation or any prior relationship between the individuals involved, citing the ongoing status of the case.

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Broader Implications

Violent incidents occurring on tribal land frequently involve layered jurisdictional considerations, requiring coordination among tribal authorities, federal investigators, and prosecutors. Officials reiterated that federal enforcement remains committed to addressing violent crime in Indian Country while respecting tribal sovereignty and legal process.

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