Man drove into crowd
Police: 2 were killed, 4 injured in Casamero Lake melee

Copyright © 2009
Gallup Independent
By Phil Stake
Staff writer

CASAMERO LAKE — The FBI has arrested a man for manslaughter in connection with a violent confrontation at Casamero Lake Feb. 6 that involved 12 people and culminated with two people dead and four people hospitalized.

Julian Begay, 24, is charged with killing Leland McDonald, according to the criminal complaint filed with U.S. District Court Feb. 10.

According to the complaint, Begay confessed to driving a red Grand Am into a crowd gathered in an open field near 670 Casamero Lake Loop, about 20 miles northeast of Thoreau. The car struck at least six men, including McDonald, who was pronounced dead at the scene.

“The autopsy of Leland McDonald showed massive trauma to the legs and torso consistent with vehicular impact,” the complaint reads.

Cordell Cleveland, also struck by the car, died in an ambulance while awaiting transport; however Begay has not been charged with killing Cleveland.

Injured by the car were Amos Tolth, Nathaniel Cleveland, Gerald Begay and Bobby Cleveland — each was later hospitalized.

Even though initial news reports of the incident termed it “gang-related,” FBI officials have confirmed that the violent confrontation stems from strife between two families. The release of further details is expected in coming days.

Reporter Phil Stake can be reached at philip.stake@gmail.com, or by calling (505) 863-6811 x222.