A Towaoc woman charged with murder has pleaded guilty as part of a plea bargain, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Jaycene Littledeer Colorow, 18, was arrested in the early hours of Feb. 8 after a fight that had taken place in at a Towaoc residence on Lafayette Street.
She was later charged with second-degree murder for the stabbing death of her sister, Keisha Colorow, 19. The victim had a 2-year-old son.
Federal prosecutors recommended a 14-year prison sentence, which represents the bottom of the guideline’s range for the offense, according to the plea agreement.
The sentence will be followed by supervised release, and the defendant also agrees to pay restitution, if requested. The fine could range between $40,000 and $400,000.
Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, at 9 a.m., in U.S. District Court in Durango before Judge Robert E. Blackburn.
Jaycene Colorow originally pleaded not guilty but changed her plea on Dec. 7.
Last May, she was released from jail on an unsecured $100,000 bond, and placed in a halfway house pending further court action.
According to a federal affidavit, the sisters, both members of the Ute Mountain Ute tribe, had been drinking. A witness stated they were fighting over “a stupid cell phone.”
Keisha Colorow enjoyed softball, volleyball and dancing, according to the Ertel Funeral Home obituary. Known as “Keish,” she also enjoyed participating in the Bear Dance and singing at Sun Dance. She was the great-great-granddaughter of Jack House, the last traditional Ute Mountain Ute Chief.
jmimiaga@the-journal.com