Tucson Man Sentenced To 65 Years for Murder, Assault of Pascua Yaqui Members

     TUCSON, Ariz. – Today, Joseph Edward Camargo, 30, of Tucson, Ariz., a non-tribal member, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Raner C. Collins to 65 years’ imprisonment.  Camargo was found guilty of second degree murder, aggravated assault, and weapons offenses, by a federal jury on March 17, 2015.

     “This sentencing demonstrates that this type of violent, malicious crime will not be tolerated in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney John S. Leonardo. “Our office, along with our law enforcement partner agencies, will continue to prosecute these cases to the full extent of the law.”

      The evidence at trial showed that on Sept. 30, 2011, Camargo went to a residence on the Pascua Yaqui Indian Reservation, armed with a handgun.  Camargo provoked a fight with a male victim in the front yard of the residence. After the victim fled into the home, Camargo pursued him, firing four shots into the house.  Three bullets struck the victim, killing him.  The final bullet struck another male at the house, who was treated at a local hospital.  Both victims were members of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe.

      The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Pascua Yaqui Police Department, with assistance provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety and Office of the Medical Examiner. The prosecution was handled by Jesse J. Figueroa and Matthew C. Cassell, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Tucson.

CASE NUMBER:                  CR-11-4021-TUC-RCC-DTF

RELEASE NUMBER:           2015-120_Camargo

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