Shiprock man dead following stabbing

By Brian Hassler
Staff Writer

SHIPROCK — A Shiprock man, 28-year old Duane Wadsworth, was stabbed to death on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

"We are involved in a middle of an investigation," said Bill Elwell, FBI special agent. "We can't confirm or deny identity and we still have a very active investigation with regards to that incident. The interviews conducted by the agents are trying to make sure that the statements that have been given are correct. At this point we're still in a fact- finding mode."

The stabbing allegedly took place in the south part of Shiprock in the non-profit housing, and it has been confirmed that one person has been arrested and could be facing tribal prosecution.

"There are no federal charges at this point since we're still conducting the investigation to present to U.S. attorney to obtain a criminal complaint or arrest for an indictment. At this point we're still in the early stages trying to obtain what happened."

Authorities have also struggled to obtain accurate information because of the events that took place at the time of the stabbing.

"What we do is take the approach of 'I understand that this happened' when you have various witnesses," said Elwell. "We want to make sure what they saw was correct. If it happens to be a situation where people are inebriated, we want to make sure what they saw and how inebriated they were. What you're trying to do is obtain information for probable cause."

Elwell added that authorities are taking their time in releasing additional information since the Sunday attack to avoid confusion and to have a timeline that is supported by a court document.

"We don't know what rumors there are and what facts there are," said Elwell. "When you're dealing with a situation with numerous people involved and there may have been people drinking, you have to make sure you know what your facts are."