Zuni Man Pleads Guilty to Assault for Unprovoked Stabbing

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni man admitted to stabbing another man without provocation, causing serious injuries

According to court documents, on June 16, 2025, Adrian Cheama, 37, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, stabbed John Doe in the abdomen with a sharp metal object, causing serious bodily injury to Doe.

Cheama pleaded guilty to assault resulting in serious bodily injury. At sentencing, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Cheama will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.

This press release was posted November 13, after the end of the federal government shutdown.