Shiprock Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder of Woman

ALBUQUERQUE - A Shiprock man pleaded guilty to causing the death of a woman who suffered fatal head injuries after he repeatedly pushed her during an argument.

According to court documents, on May 21, 2024, Ryan Flute, 46, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, and the victim were drinking alcohol at a residence in Shiprock, New Mexico, when an argument turned violent. During the argument, Flute repeatedly pushed the victim, causing her to fall backward and strike her head on a piece of furniture. Flute helped the victim to her feet, and they went to bed.

The following morning, Flute found the victim unresponsive and called for emergency medical assistance. The victim was transported to the hospital; she never regained consciousness and died on May 27, 2024. An autopsy determined she died from blunt-force injuries, primarily to her head. She also sustained injuries to her neck, torso, and extremities.

Flute pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Under the terms of the plea agreement, the parties agreed to a sentence of 15 years in prison, subject to the Court's approval. Upon release from prison, Flute will be subject to a period of supervised release of up to five years. There is no parole in the federal system.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department, Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and Farmington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.