Ferin Billy Nez, 36, of Pinon, Arizona, was sentenced yesterday by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 22 years in prison. Nez, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder for killing his infant son.

On February 27, 2018, Nez had custody of his infant son, when the child became unresponsive and later died. A medical examination revealed that the victim had injuries consistent with having been shaken and thrown. On March 24, 2021, Nez was charged in a six-count indictment with murder and child abuse. He pleaded guilty to Second Degree Murder on October 17, 2022.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer E. LaGrange and Sharon K. Sexton, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.