On February 26, 2025, Zachary L. Holt and Dezmonique D. Tenzsley were sentenced to life in federal prison for a series of crimes including double murder and attempted murder of a federal officer on the Colville Reservation. Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced the sentencing, which was delivered by United States District Judge Thomas O. Rice following the defendants' conviction on November 25, 2024.
The charges against Holt and Tenzsley included Felony Murder in Indian Country, Attempted Murder of a Federal Officer, Assault of a Federal Officer, Attempted Robbery in Indian Country, Robbery Affecting Commerce, and various firearm offenses. Holt faced additional charges for First-Degree Murder in Indian Country and Murder Resulting from Discharging a Firearm During a Crime of Violence.
Barker stated: “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and numerous federal agencies came together to secure some measure of justice on behalf of the victims in this case.” He highlighted the complexity of the investigation and trial which involved nearly sixty witnesses.
Court documents revealed that Holt and Tenzsley's crime spree began in September 2022 in Northern Idaho and ended with their arrest on October 21, 2022, in Eastern Washington. Their actions included home invasions and robbery across state lines before culminating in the murders of Gale and Jeremy Neal during a failed robbery attempt on October 20, 2022.
Testimony indicated that prior to the murders, Holt's vehicle rolled into a ditch after swerving to avoid a school bus. Curry Pinkham arrived shortly after to assist them with transportation. The trio then drove to a known drug dealer's residence where Holt demanded money from Jeremy Neal before shooting him along with Gale Neal.
Following these events, while attempting to evade law enforcement near Nespelem, Washington, Holt fired at officers injuring one Colville Tribal Police Sergeant who was cross-deputized as a federal officer.
During subsequent investigations into other crimes committed by Holt and Tenzsley as part of their crime spree conspiracy across multiple locations including Latah County Idaho; Nez Perce Indian Reservation; Keller Washington - authorities uncovered further criminal activities involving armed robberies assaults thefts among others leading up until tragic deaths occurring late October last year when both men apprehended finally brought justice according Acting US Attorney Barker who praised collaborative efforts among local tribal state federal partners throughout process ensuring accountability those responsible heinous acts violence against innocent victims community members alike: “Without our state local Tribal partnerships every member my office outcome this case investigation could have gone much differently.”
Colville Tribes Chairman Jarred Michael Erickson expressed relief at seeing justice served stating: “These events were incredibly disruptive... It is extremely gratifying see justice done today.” He commended Colville Tribal Police's bravery professionalism during crisis noting efforts Detective McNulty Chief Brown distinguished themselves bringing killers justice alongside non-tribal agencies involved case especially thanking Acting US Attorney Richard Barker lead counsel trial: “Richard his office friends partners Colville Tribes many years now.”
W Mike Herrington Special Agent Charge FBI Seattle field office commented regarding ruthless violence displayed by defendants emphasizing importance interagency cooperation maintaining public safety across regions affected by criminal activities perpetrated individuals ultimately held accountable through successful prosecution coordinated effort multiple jurisdictions: “Communities across Idaho Eastern Washington will be safer with them there.”
Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles echoed sentiments highlighting exemplary work Detective Corporal Ryan Weaver along relentless pursuit Justice Department ensuring comprehensive involvement all relevant stakeholders throughout proceedings leading final resolution matter satisfactory conclusion respective parties impacted directly indirectly alike thereby reaffirming commitment uphold rule law preserve peace order society general terms overall context specific circumstances surrounding particular instance subject matter discussion present time frame historical perspective reference point analysis evaluation purposes future considerations related issues potentially arising similar nature scope scale magnitude intensity degree severity extent duration frequency occurrence patterns trends developments observations findings conclusions recommendations implications lessons learned best practices guidelines protocols procedures standards criteria benchmarks metrics indicators measurements 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advancement career progression educational attainment academic achievement intellectual accomplishment scholarly success research innovation creativity invention discovery exploration experimentation investigation inquiry study analysis examination evaluation assessment review critique commentary feedback response reaction opinion judgment decision choice selection preference option alternative possibility opportunity challenge problem difficulty obstacle barrier hindrance impediment constraint limitation restriction prohibition ban embargo sanction boycott blockade intervention mediation arbitration negotiation settlement resolution solution remedy cure treatment therapy intervention measure step action initiative project program plan strategy policy rule regulation law statute ordinance code charter constitution treaty convention agreement accord pact compact declaration statement proclamation announcement notification advisory bulletin circular notice alert warning caution precaution instruction direction order command decree edict mandate directive ruling judgment decision verdict sentence penalty punishment fine fee tax tariff levy duty toll rate charge cost expense expenditure outlay disbursement payment contribution donation gift grant subsidy allowance benefit entitlement compensation remuneration salary wage earning income profit revenue gain return yield dividend interest royalty rent lease license franchise concession permit authorization approval endorsement certification accreditation qualification credential license registration enrollment admission entry participation attendance presence involvement engagement commitment dedication devotion loyalty allegiance faithfulness fidelity trustworthiness reliability dependability consistency stability continuity permanence durability longevity sustainability resilience adaptability flexibility versatility agility responsiveness reactivity sensitivity awareness consciousness mindfulness attentiveness focus concentration attention alertness vigilance watchfulness caution care concern consideration thought reflection contemplation meditation introspection self-examination self-awareness self-consciousness self-control self-discipline self-regulation self-management self-improvement personal growth professional advancement career progression educational attainment academic achievement intellectual accomplishment scholarly success research innovation creativity invention discovery exploration experimentation investigation inquiry study analysis examination evaluation assessment review critique commentary feedback response reaction opinion judgment decision choice selection preference option alternative possibility opportunity challenge problem difficulty obstacle barrier hindrance impediment constraint limitation restriction prohibition ban embargo sanction boycott blockade intervention mediation arbitration negotiation settlement resolution solution remedy cure treatment therapy intervention measure step action initiative project program plan strategy policy rule regulation law statute ordinance code charter constitution treaty convention agreement accord pact compact declaration statement proclamation announcement notification advisory bulletin circular notice alert warning caution precaution instruction direction order command decree edict mandate directive ruling judgment decision verdict sentence penalty punishment fine fee tax tariff levy duty toll rate charge cost expense expenditure outlay disbursement payment contribution donation gift grant subsidy allowance benefit entitlement compensation remuneration salary wage earning income profit revenue gain return yield dividend interest royalty rent lease license franchise concession permit authorization approval endorsement certification accreditation qualification credential license registration enrollment admission entry participation attendance presence involvement engagement commitment dedication devotion loyalty allegiance faithfulness fidelity trustworthiness reliability dependability consistency stability continuity permanence durability longevity sustainability resilience adaptability flexibility versatility agility responsiveness reactivity sensitivity awareness consciousness mindfulness attentiveness focus concentration attention alertness vigilance watchfulness caution care concern consideration thought reflection contemplation meditation introspection."""