Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, announced November 28 that Shilo Aaron Oldrock, a 30-year-old member of the Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. Oldrock had pleaded guilty in federal court to seconddegree murder and voluntary manslaughter charges related to the deaths of two victims, E.B. and P.S., on August 14, 2023.
Oldrock had previously pleaded guilty in federal court to seconddegree murder and voluntary manslaughter charges. According to court documents, the night of January 29, 2021, saw Oldrock and the victims engaged in a night of drinking while Oldrock was under the influence of methamphetamine. A heated altercation erupted between P.S. and E.B., resulting in an injury to P.S.
Rather than offering assistance to the injured individual, Oldrock chose to escalate the violence, ultimately striking P.S. in the head with a metal iron, leading to his untimely death. To conceal his heinous crime, Oldrock resorted to burning P.S.'s body in a burn barrel.
P.S.'s family reported him missing after discovering his abandoned car. P.S. was subsequently added to the FBI's List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation. The family continued their tireless search for P.S. for the next two years.
On October 10, 2021, driven by paranoia stemming from the killing of P.S. and the death of Oldrock's grandmother, Oldrock savagely attacked E.B. by stabbing him approximately 22 times before decapitating him with an ax. Oldrock later admitted to law enforcement that he was responsible for both murders. Both horrifying incidents took place within the exterior boundaries of the Navajo Nation in New Mexico.
U.S. Attorney Uballez addressed the grave situation, saying, 'It is our solemn duty to bring justice and answers to grieving Tribal communities. No amount of investigation, prosecution, or years in prison will bring back a murdered loved one. But this team of local, tribal, and federal law enforcement partners will meet the case of each missing and murdered Indigenous person with urgency, transparency, and coordination. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community and confident that law enforcement will be vigilant in the investigation of missing community members.'
Special Agent in Charge Bujanda echoed this sentiment, stating, 'The rationale behind the depraved violent criminal acts committed in this case may be hard to understand, but our message today is crystal clear: the FBI and its partners will vigorously investigate and prosecute those who show such a callous disregard for innocent lives. The investigation of Oldrock, and his 35-year sentence, stand as a testament to the collaboration and dedication of the FBI, Navajo Nation Criminal Investigators, and the United States Attorney’s Office to bring justice to victims of violent crimes in Indian County.'
In a groundbreaking initiative to enhance the reporting of missing persons throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation, the FBI's List of Native Americans Verified as Missing Throughout New Mexico and the Navajo Nation was created, marking the first of its kind in the nation. Collaborative efforts in this endeavor include the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, New Mexico Attorney General’s Office, New Mexico Department of Public Safety, New Mexico Department of Indian Affairs, Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office, and the City of Albuquerque Office of Equity and Inclusion. The FBI also receives information and support from the Navajo Nation, Native American pueblos, and local law enforcement.
This comprehensive list is updated monthly and is accessible at fbi.gov/mmip.
The FBI is actively seeking public assistance and information related to these cases. If you possess any information, please contact your local FBI office, the nearest American Embassy or Consulate, or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation in collaboration with the Navajo Police Department, Department of Criminal Investigations, and the Gallup Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall has been responsible for prosecuting the case.