Man Convicted for Murdering Pregnant Girlfriend on Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Nevada

NEVADA – On December 15, 2020, Michael Burciaga, a 36-year-old man from Northern Nevada, was convicted for murdering his pregnant girlfriend, who was a registered member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe.

The incident took place on the Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation in Nixon, located in Washoe County.

Burciaga stabbed his girlfriend multiple times, causing her and their unborn child’s death. The victim’s 15-year-old daughter called the Pyramid Lake Police Department for emergency assistance.

Burciaga was charged with Murder in the First Degree within Indian Country, Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender Within Indian Country, and violating the Protection of Unborn Children Act.

On September 25, 2023, Chief United States District Judge Miranda M. Du will sentence Burciaga, and he faces a statutory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Court will determine the sentencing based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI and Pyramid Lake Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant United States Attorneys Penelope Brady, Megan Rachow, and Richard Casper are prosecuting it.

United States Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada and Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans for the FBI made the announcement.

Credits: 2News