Navajo Nation v. Rodriguez

This case concerns the admissibility of a confession in a criminal case. Based on our review, we vacated the conviction and released Appellant in a previous order. Our reasons are set out below.

I

The relevant facts are undisputed. The Navajo Nation police arrested Appellant Rafael Rodriguez (“Rodriguez”) following a shooting at a trailer park in Kayenta. While in custody, Investigator Kirk Snyder (“Investigator Snyder”) of the Kayenta Police District interviewed Rodriguez. Investigator Snyder began the interview by stating to Rodriguez that his alleged actions could put in him in federal…