FBI News:

ALBUQUERQUE — A Shiprock woman was charged with assault with a dangerous weapon for allegedly striking a victim with a metal pipe during an altercation.

According to court documents, on July 28, 2026, law enforcement responded to a reported assault at a residence after a victim was transported to the hospital with serious head injuries. Witnesses reported that during an altercation that followed an argument among several individuals who had been drinking alcohol, Desirae Smith, 26, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, allegedly struck the victim multiple times with a metal pipe, including blows to the head and arm, attempted to drop a rock on the victim’s head after she fell to the ground, and slammed the victim’s head against a truck. One witness told investigators he observed the victim bleeding from a large head wound after hearing another individual ask Smith why she was hitting the victim with a pole. Responding officers recovered a metal pipe at the scene that appeared to have blood on it.

Medical records showed the victim suffered two large lacerations to the top of her head that required approximately nine staples.

During a post arrest interview, Smith denied striking the victim with a pipe and claimed the victim’s injuries resulted from falling and hitting a truck during the altercation.

Smith is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charge, Smith faces up to 10 years in prison. 

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

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. 

Updated July 31, 2026