ALBUQUERQUE, NM – At his court hearing on April 18, Gerrick Mariano, a 26-year-old member of the Navajo Nation from Thoreau, pled guilty to a felony charge of assault resulting in serious bodily injury, stemming from a 2022 shooting incident involving a friend.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the incident occurred on August 20, 2022, when Mariano and the victim, identified only as John Doe, were involved in a heated verbal altercation while under the influence of alcohol. Court documents show the argument escalated when Mariano brandished a rifle and pointed it at Doe’s chest.
Court documents show that, while attempting to defend himself, Doe pushed the rifle’s barrel away, inadvertently causing the weapon to discharge and the bullet to strike his right shoulder.
The injury required that Doe be airlifted to a hospital for emergency medical treatment. Court documents say that more than a year later, he continues to suffer from limited mobility in his injured shoulder, significantly impacting his daily life.
The shooting was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with additional support from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, and New Mexico Park Rangers. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is leading the prosecution.
During the plea hearing, the presiding judge outlined the potential consequences facing Mariano, which include up to 10 years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. Furthermore, Mariano is required to make restitution payments to John Doe, covering all medical expenses and related costs due to the injury.
Mariano’s sentencing is scheduled for a later date, where the full terms of his punishment, including the specifics of the restitution amount, will be finalized.