On May 28, 2025, Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced the sentencing of Joey Anthony Andy, a 44-year-old man from Yakima, Washington. Andy was sentenced by United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke to 63 months in prison for assault with a dangerous weapon. In addition to the prison term, Andy will serve three years of supervised release following his conviction on May 15, 2024.
The incident occurred on April 4, 2023, when an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation was leaving Noah’s Ark Homeless Shelter in Wapato, Washington. Andy confronted the victim over a dispute involving a Bluetooth speaker. The confrontation escalated when Andy assaulted the victim with a knife, resulting in a four-inch laceration to the victim's head that required fourteen staples to close.
After the attack, the victim sought help at Noah’s Ark Shelter where employees provided first aid and contacted law enforcement. Wapato Police located and apprehended Andy after he attempted to flee.
During sentencing, MMIP Assistant U.S. Attorney Bree R. Black Horse emphasized the need for a maximum sentence due to the severity of the crime and its impact on vulnerable individuals who rely on services provided by Noah’s Ark Shelter. "This assault occurred outside the doors of Noah’s Ark Shelter," Black Horse stated, highlighting how such incidents could deter others from seeking necessary support.
Acting U.S. Attorney Barker praised law enforcement's response: “Because of the tremendous law enforcement response from our federal, state, local, and Tribal partners, the victim’s voice was heard and Mr. Andy will be held to account for this attack.”
The case is part of the Department of Justice's Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Regional Outreach Program aimed at addressing cases involving Indigenous people through collaboration with various partners.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Bree R. Black Horse and Todd Swensen.
