Alexander M.M. Uballez U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
Two men from Zuni, New Mexico, have pleaded guilty to charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. The case involves an armed assault on four individuals.
Court documents reveal that on April 8, 2023, Kamron Kallestewa, aged 24, and Kaden Panteah, aged 20, both members of the Pueblo of Zuni, carried out the attack. They armed themselves with pistols and went to a residence within the boundaries of the Zuni Pueblo.
During the incident, Kallestewa struck one victim in the face and head with a pistol and threatened another by placing the muzzle at the back of his head. He also pointed his weapon at a third victim's head and injured a fourth by striking her in the face.
Panteah also participated by threatening one victim with his pistol and firing shots towards all four victims intending to cause harm.
Both men remain in custody awaiting sentencing. They each face up to ten years in prison followed by three years of supervised release upon completion of their sentences.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez alongside Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
The investigation was conducted by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with help from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Mia Ulibarri-Rubin and Jesse Pecoraro are handling prosecution duties for this case.
