Navajo Man from Smith Lake, New Mexico faces federal assault charges for allegedly beating his brother with a baseball bat

            ALBUQUERQUE, N.M.  – Mark Anthony Hill, 32, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation residing in of Smith Lake, New Mexico, appeared in federal court in Albuquerque today on a criminal complaint charging him with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country.  A U.S. magistrate judge ordered him held in custody pending trial. 

           According to the complaint, Hill committed the alleged assault on Aug. 23 in McKinley County, New Mexico.  Hill allegedly got into an argument with his brother while drinking alcohol.  Hill allegedly struck the victim with his fists and knocked him to the ground.  Hill then allegedly retrieved a baseball bat and struck the victim in the head and torso causing serious injuries, including fractures to the victim’s skull and jaw, a dislocated shoulder and a torn left ear.   

           The Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations arrested Hill on Aug. 26.  If convicted, Hill faces up to ten years in prison on each assault charge.  A criminal complaint is only an accusation.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

           The Crownpoint District of the Navajo Nation Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas J. Aliberti is prosecuting the case.