Kevin Darren Blackhorse, a 37-year-old resident of Tsaile, Arizona, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter. The sentencing took place on December 8, 2025, before United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi. After serving his prison term, Blackhorse will be subject to three years of supervised release.
Blackhorse pleaded guilty to the charge following an incident that occurred on January 8, 2024. During a physical altercation with the victim, Blackhorse stabbed the individual multiple times in the chest and back, resulting in the victim’s death. Both Blackhorse and the victim were enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.
The investigation was conducted by the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigations and the FBI Phoenix division’s Gallup office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiyoko Patterson from the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
“On January 8, 2024, while engaged in a physical fight with the victim, Blackhorse stabbed the victim in the chest and back multiple times resulting in his death. Blackhorse and the victim are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.”
