A view of Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico. Photo from Walatowa Visitors Center / Facebook
A man from Jemez Pueblo in New Mexico is on trial for the brutal murder of a woman from the Navajo Nation. Gavin Yepa is accused of killing Lynette Yazzie Becenti while sexually assaulting her in December 2011. The incident occurred at Yepa's home at Jemez Pueblo. Becenti was 38 at the time of her death. Before the trial even started, the case went to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals twice. Both times, Yepa's defense successfully excluded a 911 call made by Becenti in which she asked for help because she was being raped. The recording was submitted late by federal prosecutors so a judge excluded it from the trial. Witnesses would have testified that they heard Yepa's voice on the call. Other evidence, including Yepa's own statements to tribal officials, tribal police, tie him to the crime. But his defense is arguing that another man -- who admitted he was at the home on the night in question -- was responsible. The trial began in federal court in Albuquerque on Wednesday. Get the Story:
Trial starts in December 2011 slaying at Jemez Pueblo (The Albuquerque Journal 7/30)
Court Rules Out Key Evidence In New Mexico Sexual Assault Trial (KRWG 6/15)
Man accused in shovel sexual assault wants release (KOAT 6/9) 10th Circuit Decisions:
US v. Yepa (June 17, 2015)
US v. Yepa (July 16, 2014) Relevant Documents:
2012 Press Release | Complaint: US v. Yepa
Related Stories
Pueblo man charged in connection with woman's brutal death (2/7)
Join the Conversation
