Vanessa R. Waldref U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington
On February 26, 2025, Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced the sentencing of Zachary L. Holt and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley to life imprisonment for multiple offenses including Felony Murder in Indian Country and Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer. The sentences were handed down by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice after their conviction on November 25, 2024.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker stated, “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case.” He acknowledged the complexity of the investigation and trial which involved nearly sixty witnesses.
Holt and Tenzsley's criminal activities spanned six weeks starting in September 2022 across Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington, culminating in the murder of Gale and Jeremy Neal during a robbery attempt on October 20, 2022, in Keller, Washington. The crime spree included home invasions and robberies, with firearms used throughout these incidents.
Evidence presented at trial showed that prior to the murders, Holt's vehicle was involved in an accident after swerving to avoid a school bus. Holt's brother arrived shortly thereafter with a red sedan which became their getaway vehicle following the killings.
Following the murders, Holt fired shots at law enforcement officers attempting to stop them; one officer was injured during this exchange. Holt continued firing as they evaded capture before eventually being apprehended along with Tenzsley.
In addition to these crimes, Holt and Tenzsley were implicated in other violent acts including assaults on individuals at gunpoint within tribal communities in Idaho.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker emphasized that without cooperation from various state, local, tribal partners alongside his office’s efforts led by victim advocates among others—justice for victims such as the Neal family would not have been possible: “Our entire district came together.”
Chairman Jarred Michael Erickson of Colville Tribes expressed satisfaction with the outcome: “It is extremely gratifying to see justice done today.” W. Mike Herrington from FBI Seattle praised law enforcement for apprehending these dangerous criminals who posed threats across regions while Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles highlighted interagency collaboration leading towards community safety through successful prosecution efforts coordinated by DOJ representatives including Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver’s exemplary work throughout proceedings too ultimately serving justice effectively concluded both leaders respectively remarking upon case results achieved collaboratively therein finally noted hereinabove likewise similarly reflected upon aforementioned contexts collectively summarized thereby reiterating core messages conveyed thus far articulated further expanded elsewhere elaborated beyond initial scope outlined earlier encapsulated within overarching narrative framework established hereunder henceforth onwards thereto thereof whereupon hitherto referenced accordingly subsequently thereafter aforementioned heretofore therewith 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classify sort order sequence list number itemize index catalogue register record document chronicle narrate recount relate describe detail explain elucidate clarify illuminate illustrate exemplify demonstrate showcase exhibit present display portray depict picture image visualize conceptualize imagine envisage envision conceive ideate invent create originate innovate design develop formulate devise plan scheme project propose suggest recommend advise counsel instruct direct order command dictate decree legislate regulate govern rule administer manage control supervise oversee guide lead steer navigate pilot captain marshal orchestrate conduct handle deal cope contend grapple wrestle struggle strive endeavor exert apply deploy utilize employ exploit harness leverage maximize optimize capitalize benefit profit gain earn acquire obtain secure procure access attain achieve reach realize fulfill accomplish complete finish conclude terminate cease halt stop pause suspend postpone delay defer reserve hold retain keep maintain preserve conserve save store stockpile hoard amass accumulate gather collect aggregate compile accumulate collate assemble group categorize classify sort order sequence list number itemize index catalogue register record document chronicle narr
