Man and Woman Found Guilty of Serious Felony Crimes Which Occurred Within the Boundaries of the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation

Yakima, Washington – Vanessa R. Waldref, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a jury returned verdicts on August 11, 2023 following the trial of Sundron Larsell Miller (age 37) and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez (age 27), of White Swan, Washington. Miller was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and assault with intent to commit murder.  Cantu Lopez was found guilty of carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.   

Evidence introduced at trial established that Miller and Cantu-Lopez were romantically involved.  On December 28, 2021, the victim was with both Miller and Cantu-Lopez, driving in the area of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation.  The victim was driving her pickup, and Miller began assaulting Cantu-Lopez. When the victim tried to intervene, both Miller and Cantu-Lopez turned and assaulted the victim, who is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation. 

During the assault, the victim was pulled out of her own truck, and Miller attempted to shoot the victim with her own rifle, which had been on the backseat of the truck. Miller pointed the rifle at the victim’s face, and the victim saw Miller pull the trigger and heard a “clicking” sound. Fortunately, the rifle was unloaded. After attempting to kill the victim, Miller and Cantu-Lopez beat the victim, threw her in the back of the truck, and transported her to a residence in White Swan. Miller then got into the driver’s seat of the victim’s truck, and while Miller drove away, Cantu-Lopez sat in the back seat and held the victim by her hair.  After arriving at a residence, the victim was again beaten by Miller and Cantu-Lopez. 

Ultimately, and with an incredible amount of bravery, the victim was able to break away and run for her life.  Officers with the Yakama Nation Police Department quickly responded to the scene and collected evidence of the crimes.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation also assisted in the investigation. 

Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian presided over the trial, which began on August 7, 2023. Sentencing in this matter is set for November 15, 2023. 

“I am incredibly grateful for the courage of victims – many of whom have suffered generations of trauma – who are willing to engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” stated U.S. Attorney Waldref. “The agents, officers, and prosecutors, who investigated and tried this case have dedicated their careers to protecting members of our community. Today’s result would not be possible but for the joint efforts of the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, the FBI, the United States Attorney’s Office and the community. By working together, we can continue to build trust and keep our communities safe and strong.” 

“The sudden violence displayed in this case is horrifying,” said Richard A. Collodi, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Seattle field office. “The subjects assaulted the victim multiple times, took her truck, and attempted to use her own firearm against her. The FBI and our tribal partners are committed to combatting violent crime and holding those responsible accountable.” 

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Michael Murphy and Christopher Bridger, Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Eastern District of Washington.

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