An Albuquerque man, Robert Abeyta, has been sentenced to 102 months in federal prison for a violent confrontation that nearly turned fatal. The incident involved the shooting of John Doe multiple times, leaving him seriously injured. Federal sentences do not include parole.
Court documents reveal that Abeyta, 51, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, went to Doe's residence on the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo armed with a loaded pistol. A struggle occurred when Doe, who has law enforcement experience, attempted to disarm Abeyta. During this struggle, Abeyta shot Doe in the head, neck, and shoulder.
Witnesses stated that after the shooting, Abeyta continued to assault Doe until neighbors intervened. They managed to disarm and restrain Abeyta until law enforcement arrived at the scene. Doe's girlfriend and young child were present during the incident and witnessed its immediate aftermath.
Following his release from prison, Abeyta will be under supervised release for three years.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with help from the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department and Santa Clara Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meg Tomlinson is prosecuting the case.