ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A 49-year-old Cubero man is facing federal charges after investigators allege he shot and killed another enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna during a confrontation at a cemetery on New Year’s Day.
Donald Thompson, born in 1976, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, is charged in U.S. District Court with second- degree murder (18 U.S.C. §§ 1153 and 1111) and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)(A)(iii)), according to a criminal complaint filed Jan. 2 in the District of New Mexico (Case No. 1:26-mj-00019-LF).
According to court documents, specifically an affidavit signed by FBI Special Agent Adam Barragan, law enforcement responded the night of Jan. 1, 2026 to reports of a shooting at a cemetery located within the exterior boundaries of the Laguna Pueblo near Paguate Day School Road in Cubero.
The affidavit states officers found an adult male victim deceased at the scene. The victim is identified in court records only by initials and as “John Doe.” Investigators reported observing what appeared to be two gunshot wounds, and witnesses told law enforcement that Thompson was armed with a rifle and fired once during the confrontation, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit also states Thompson later admitted to shooting the victim and told investigators he believed he acted in self-defense.
Two witnesses who were at the cemetery that night — identified in the affidavit by initials — told investigators they were at the burial ground as part of a traditional practice of guarding a gravesite, and described a confrontation that escalated before the shot was fired, the affidavit states.
Investigators recovered two rifles from the scene, including a Marlin 30/30 rifle, according to the affidavit.
Because the incident occurred in Indian Country and involved enrolled tribal members, the case is being handled in federal court under statutes that apply to certain serious crimes involving Native Americans, according to the filing.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Albuquerque Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris announced the charges. The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is listed as the prosecutor.
A trial for Thompson has not been scheduled as of press time.
If convicted of the current charges, Thompson could face up to life in prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office summary.
Editor’s Note: A criminal complaint is a charging document based on probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court. The Cibola Citizen will continue to follow the case as hearings are set and additional court records become available.