Navajo man in court for charges related to shooting in Coolidge

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – On February 10, 2022, Peter Oka, 30, of Coolidge, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, appeared for his preliminary and detention hearing for charges of use of a firearm during a crime of violence, assault with a dangerous weapon with intent to do bodily harm, and assault resulting in serious bodily harm. The court ordered Oka detained pending trial.

According to a criminal complaint, on Jan. 26, Oka allegedly got into an argument with the occupants of a house located on the Navajo Nation Reservation. Oka allegedly retrieved a firearm and fired multiple rounds into the ceiling. Oka allegedly pointed the firearm at John Doe, shooting him multiple times. Oka allegedly then shot Jane Doe and himself. John Doe sustained several gunshot wounds to the chest. Oka had a gunshot wound that entered his neck and exited around his ear.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Oka faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Elisa Dimas is prosecuting the case.

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