Brandon Hyden, a 40-year-old resident of Tuba City, Arizona, has been sentenced to 23 years in federal prison for second degree murder. U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa handed down the sentence on December 16, 2025. In addition to the murder charge, Hyden received five years in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon; both sentences will run concurrently. After serving his time, he will also be subject to supervised release.
Hyden had previously pleaded guilty to both charges. The incident occurred on January 26, 2025, when Hyden shot and killed an unarmed individual six times in a business parking lot in Tuba City. About thirty minutes later, he shot another unarmed victim four times in a residential area within the city limits. The second victim survived after several weeks of hospitalization and intensive medical care.
Hyden is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation.
“Hyden has been brought to account for his senseless acts of violence that took a life and forever altered others,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “While no sentence can undo the pain suffered by the victims, their families, and the Tuba City community, this outcome reflects our commitment to justice. We thank our partners at the FBI, ATF and Navajo Nation Police Department for their diligent work in this case.”
“This sentence certainly reflects the senseless violence of this case and underscores our office’s commitment to protecting all communities in Arizona and ensuring that justice is served throughout the state,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke. “The FBI is responsible for investigating the most serious crimes on our tribal lands, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those individuals who commit these heinous acts of violence.”
The investigation was carried out by the FBI, Navajo Nation Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona prosecuted the case.
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
