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New Mexico Man Charged with Murder of Navajo Tribal Police Officer

A 32-year-old New Mexico man charged with murdering a Navajo Nation police officer made his initial appearance in federal court Tuesday.

Kirby Cleveland, also a Navajo, allegedly shot 27-year-old Houston James Largo in the head late on March 11th near the town of Prewitt. According to the criminal complaint, Cleveland’s wife told investigators he was acting mean toward her and their children while drinking that night, and went outside to fire several rounds from a rifle. She called 911, then drove Cleveland at his request to a nearby friend’s home. The complaint says she heard more gunfire, then Cleveland returned carrying his rifle. He reportedly told his wife, “I shot that police officer, you need to go help him.” Cleveland remained in custody pending a hearing.

Gail Binkly is a career journalist who has worked for the Colorado Springs Gazette and Cortez Journal, and was the editor of the Four Corners Free Press, based in Cortez.
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