ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni Pueblo man has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred during a domestic dispute in February 2023, federal prosecutors announced.
Joey Luarkie, 25, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, entered the guilty plea in federal court and now faces up to 15 years in prison, followed by up to three years of supervised release.
According to court records, the incident took place on February 4, 2023, at a residence in Zuni Pueblo. Luarkie was at the home when the victim, Jane Doe’s boyfriend, arrived. An argument broke out between the couple, prompting the victim to enter the home to retrieve his belongings.
Luarkie allegedly followed the two into a bedroom, where the confrontation escalated into a physical altercation. During the struggle, Luarkie stabbed the victim in the neck.
Responding officers from the Zuni Police Department found the victim lying outside the home, where Jane Doe was attempting CPR. He was transported to the Zuni Health Center and later airlifted to the University of New Mexico Hospital inAlbuquerque. Despite emergency surgeries, the victim died the following day.
Luarkie was initially charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. He remained in custody following his arrest in early 2024 and ultimately reached a plea agreement with prosecutors.
The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell announced the plea on May 8, emphasizing the serious consequences of violent crimes in Indian Country.
Luarkie’s sentencing date has not yet been set.