Staff Reports
ALBUQUERQUE — A Zuni man is facing federal charges for allegedly attacking two victims with a hammer, causing serious injuries that required hospitalization.
According to court documents, on July 5, Errick Waikaniwa, 39, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, allegedly assaulted two victims with a hammer at a residence in Zuni, N.M. The victims suffered severe injuries and were transported for medical treatment. One victim was later transferred to a regional hospital due to the extent of their injuries, which included significant facial trauma, while the second victim sustained head injuries, including a skull fracture.
The investigation determined that multiple people witnessed the assault and contacted law enforcement. Zuni Police Department officers responded to the scene, arrested Waikaniwa, and recovered a hammer believed to have been used in the attack. During a subsequent interview with FBI agents, Waikaniwa allegedly admitted to striking both victims with the hammer.
Waikaniwa is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing. If convicted of the current charge, Waikaniwa faces up to 10 years in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron O. Jordan is prosecuting the case.
