Member of Mescalero Apache Tribe sentenced to nine years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter

           ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Mundo Barela, 19, of Mescalero, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, was sentenced in federal court on June 8 to nine years in prison for voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country.

           Barela pleaded guilty on Jan. 6. According to his plea agreement, on or about July 20, 2020, Barela unlawfully killed John Doe in the heat of passion during a sudden altercation in Otero County, New Mexico. Barela stabbed the victim in the throat, chest and stomach during the incident causing fatal injuries to John Doe. The incident took place on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

            Upon his release from prison, Barela will be subject to three years of supervised release.

            The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan prosecuted the case.