A member of the Lummi Nation, Joseph Michael Quincy Jefferson, was convicted in Seattle's U.S. District Court for Assault by Strangulation. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman after a seven-day jury trial concluded with jurors deliberating for approximately ninety minutes before reaching a guilty verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for April 10, 2025, under U.S. District Judge Lauren King.
Court records and trial testimony revealed that on April 8, 2023, Jefferson assaulted his live-in partner by punching, pushing, and strangling her until she lost consciousness twice. The victim managed to escape barefoot and in her underwear to seek help from a friend and neighbor before reporting the incident to the Lummi Nation Police Department and receiving medical attention at a hospital. Her injuries were consistent with being punched, pushed into a metal bookcase, and strangled.
During the trial, Jefferson claimed self-defense while the victim downplayed his actions during her testimony. Prosecutors argued that medical records and recorded statements demonstrated Jefferson's guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Lee stated in her closing argument: “He was the aggressor... There is no evidence that he faced immediate use of unlawful force.” She described the incident as "gratuitous, intentional violence from someone who was jealous, angry, and drunk."
Jefferson has been detained since October 2024 after violating pretrial release conditions by maintaining contact with the victim. He remains in custody awaiting sentencing.
Assault by Strangulation carries a maximum penalty of ten years imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by the Lummi Nation Police Department and the FBI. The prosecution team included Assistant United States Attorneys Celia Lee and Erika Evans. Ms. Lee also serves as a Tribal Liaison for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, emphasizing their commitment to public safety on tribal lands within Washington's Western District.