Law
Judge denies treating Indians, non-Indians differently


A judge in New Mexico says his comments about an Indian defendant's sentence do not mean he treats people differently based on their race.

District Judge Thomas Hynes sentenced Bryan Comanche, 21, to seven years rather than the maximum 12 years. According to an audio transcript of the proceeding, he said Comanche's punishment could have been harsher.

"What if, instead of being Native American, you were Anglo?" Hynes said, The Farmington Daily Times reported. "What would I do then? Probably be tougher, I guess. I don't know."

Hynes said he only meant to draw attention to the fact that Comanche's victim, Maynard Whiteman, was also Indian, and that the beating was not premeditated. Had the victim been of another race or had been premeditated, the judge could have imposed additional penalties.

"I think all of the parties were too drunk to premeditate anything," Hynes told the paper.

Get the Story:
Judge comments on defendant's race during sentencing (The Farmington Daily Times 8/11)

Relevant Links:
Navajo Nation - http://www.navajo.org
Navajo Nation Council - http://www.navajonationcouncil.org

Related Stories:
Permit requested for Navajo march in border town (8/8)
Navajo Nation to hold two marches in border town (8/3)
Farrakhan shocked by conditions on reservation (8/1)
Letter: No need to study racism in border towns (7/31)
Investigation sought into shooting of Navajo man (7/27)
DOJ won't investigate fatal shooting of Navajo man (7/26)
Farrakhan brings message of self-reliance to Navajos (7/21)
Controversial leader Farrakhan visits Navajo Nation (7/20)
Navajo Nation to march against border town racism (7/19)
Navajo Nation Council debates border town racism (7/18)
Indians with discrimination claims sent to sex chat (7/14)
Border town racism an issue again in Farmington (7/13)
Navajo Nation approves study of racism in border towns (7/7)
Racial tension in Farmington prompts meetings (6/29)
Farmington Mayor: City sensitive to Navajos (6/29)
Navajo leaders angered by incidents in Farmington (6/26)
George Joe: Battle lines drawn over Farmington (6/26)
Three suspects arrested for attack on Navajo man (6/19)
Navajo man attacked by white males in Farmington (06/13)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (03/24)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (3/23)
Paper examines Indian race relations, civil rights (3/22)
Editorial: Race relations improving in Farmington (03/02)
Navajo race relations subject of Civil Rights report (3/1)
Navajos turn out for civil rights commission hearing (05/03)
Civil rights panel to hold hearing in Farmington (4/29)
Racism still a sore subject 30 years after murders (4/27)
Navajos see bias in New Mexico city's justice system (4/26)
Navajo homeless men claim assault by white youth (4/23)
Navajos recall discrimination by local businesses (4/22)
1974 murders of Navajo men stir strong feelings (4/21)