FARMINGTON – A Shiprock, New Mexico, man pleaded guilty this week in federal court to second degree murder.
A grand jury indicted Simeon Atcitty, 38, on Sept. 10, 2020, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Justice. According to the indictment and other court records, on or about June 19, 2020, Atcitty had been drinking with the victim at Atcitty’s home in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation.
According to the release, Atcitty was angered by something the victim said and struck the victim in the head and the chest until the victim was seriously injured and was no longer moving.
“Atcitty then wrapped up (the victim’s) body and left the home,” the release said. “Law enforcement discovered (the victim’s) body about a week later.”
Atcitty is in custody awaiting sentencing. He faces up to life in prison.
mmitchell@durangoherald.com
