An enrolled member of the Navajo Nation from Sheep Springs, N. M. pleaded guilty June 3 to committing second degree murder in Indian Country in July 2015.
In its release June 9, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said 21-year-old Mathias Neal and an accomplice got into a physical altercation with John Doe while at a chapter house in San Juan County on the Navajo Nation.
In the plea agreement it said Neal punched and kicked the victim, while he was on the ground, and hit him with brass knuckles and rocks to his head and throat, causing fatal injuries.
Neal admitted he was aware that Doe tried to run and was not fighting back.
As a result of the beating, Doe died at the scene and was dragged to a windmill area by Neal and his accomplice.
Neal is currently in custody awaiting sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled.
He faces life in prison.
This case was investigated by the Farmington Office of the FBI and the Navajo Division of Public Safety.
It is being prosecuted by Assistant U. S. Attorney Novaline D. Wilson.
