A man from Cubero, New Mexico, has been charged in federal court following the fatal shooting of another member of the Pueblo of Laguna during a confrontation at a cemetery on January 1, 2026. According to court records, Donald Thompson, age 49 and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Laguna, allegedly shot and killed another tribal member at a cemetery within the Pueblo of Laguna in Cubero.
Law enforcement officers responded to reports of a shooting and found the victim dead at the scene with gunshot wounds to the chest and back. Witnesses told authorities that Thompson was armed with a rifle and fired one shot during the incident. Thompson later admitted to shooting the victim and claimed he believed he was acting in self-defense.
Thompson faces charges including second degree murder and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He has been released on conditions pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.” The announcement was made jointly by Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office.
The investigation is being conducted by the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
