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Press Release

Two Zuni men charged with assault in Indian Country

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Christopher Hannaweeke Sr. and Christopher Hannaweeke Jr. made an initial appearance in federal court facing a charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. Hannaweeke Sr., 48, and Hannaweeke Jr., 29, of Zuni, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, will remain detained pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for Feb. 16.

According to a criminal complaint, on Jan. 27, the victim’s mother witnessed a car hit the family’s dog. The victim exited his residence on foot and chased the vehicle suspected of hitting the dog. When the vehicle stopped, the victim recognized the occupants as the defendants. The defendants and a third individual exited the vehicle and Hannaweeke Sr. struck the victim over the head with an unknown object. Once the victim was on the ground, the defendants assaulted the victim by punching and kicking the victim. Multiple witnesses observed the assault as it occurred and intervened. A witness identified one of the assailants as Hannaweeke Jr. The victim suffered serious bodily injury as a result and required surgery.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Hannaweeke Sr. and Hannaweeke Jr. face up to ten years in prison.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.

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23-27

Updated February 14, 2023

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 23-27