APACHE COUNTY, Ariz. — An Arizona man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for participating in the kidnapping and violent assault of a man who was traveling through the Navajo Nation in 2020.
Jared J. John, 32, was sentenced last month after a jury convicted him of kidnapping, robbery, carjacking and assault with intent to murder, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of Arizona.
John and Everickk M. Begay, 55, were involved in breaking into the car of a man who was on a road trip during the summer of 2020. The defendants drove the victim out into the desert and slit his throat three times before leaving him to die, prosecutors said.
The victim used his clothes as a tourniquet to stop the bleeding and was helped by a motorist who took him to the hospital.
"He underwent surgery to repair his wounds. He endured a long recovery period, but his voice is permanently changed," prosecutors wrote in a court filing.
John's DNA was reportedly detected on two areas near the car's drivers seat and the victim identified the defendant out of a photo lineup, court records show.
"John’s actions demonstrate complete disregard for human life, and indeed, suggest that he took joy in harming (the victim)," prosecutors wrote.
Begay was previously sentenced to 97 months in prison for his role in the crime. Upon his release from prison, John will be placed upon supervision for five years.
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