ABQ Times

A Zuni man, Joey Luarkie, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter following an altercation that resulted in the death of John Doe. The incident occurred on February 4, 2024, at a residence in Zuni. Luarkie, aged 24 and a member of the Zuni Pueblo, appeared before a federal judge and remains in custody pending trial.

Court records reveal that Luarkie was present at Jane Doe's home when her boyfriend, John Doe, arrived. An argument ensued outside between Jane and John Doe before he entered the residence to collect belongings. Inside Jane Doe's bedroom, an alleged physical altercation took place during which Luarkie reportedly stabbed John Doe in the throat.

John Doe managed to exit the house but collapsed in the yard where officers from the Zuni Police Department found him as Jane Doe attempted CPR. He was initially treated at Zuni Health Center and later transported to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque for emergency surgeries.

Luarkie's charges were upgraded from assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury to voluntary manslaughter after John Doe succumbed to his injuries. If convicted, Luarkie could face up to 15 years imprisonment.

The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with support from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is handling prosecution.

The indictment serves as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.