Zuni Man Faces Murder Charge and Suspected in Series of Violent Crimes against Native American Men
A Zuni man, Labar Tsethlikai, appeared in federal court for the murder of a Navajo Nation member, facing a second-degree murder charge for a crime that occurred on the Zuni Reservation. Tsethlikai is also a suspect in a series of violent crimes targeting Native American men in Gallup, Zuni, and Albuquerque. These crimes include murders, kidnappings, robberies, sexual abuse, and assaults, with ten other possible victims identified between May 2023 and April 2024.
The FBI, along with federal prosecutors, announced the charges against Tsethlikai, citing evidence such as cellphone tracking, DNA, video surveillance, and victim statements. If convicted, Tsethlikai could face life in prison followed by five years of supervised release. The FBI is continuing to investigate his involvement in other alleged crimes against Native American men.
The investigation was led by the Gallup agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the sex crimes and air support units of the Albuquerque police. Tsethlikai will remain in custody pending a detention hearing and arraignment scheduled for Wednesday, May 1. Stay updated on this developing story by downloading the Action 7 News app for free.
