Diego Lopez, Reporter
ZUNI PUEBLO – Joey Luarkie, 23, of Zuni Pueblo, appeared in federal court on charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country. This announcement was made by 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.
According to the criminal complaint, the incident occurred on February 4, 2024, at the home of Jane Doe in Zuni. Luarkie was present at the residence when Jane Doe's boyfriend, identified as John Doe, arrived. An argument ensued between Jane Doe and John Doe, following which John Doe entered the residence to collect his belongings. Luarkie allegedly followed them into Jane Doe's bedroom, where a physical altercation ensued, resulting in John Doe being stabbed in the throat. John Doe later collapsed in the front yard of the residence.
Responding officers from the Zuni Police Department found Jane Doe performing CPR on John Doe. He was transported to Zuni Health Center and later airlifted to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he underwent emergency surgeries.
Joey Luarkie will remain in temporary custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for February 8, 2024. If convicted, Luarkie faces up to ten years in prison for each count.
It's essential to note that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office conducted the investigation with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas Marshall is prosecuting the case, ensuring justice is served in this matter.