ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – A shocking act of violence has left a man seriously injured in Zuni, New Mexico. Adrian Cheama, 36, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, has been charged in federal court for allegedly stabbing another man without provocation.
According to court documents, on the night of June 16, 2025, Cheama approached the victim while he was walking with a friend along a residential street in Zuni. Without provocation, Cheama stabbed the victim in the abdomen with a weapon described as either a circular metal pole or a knife, then walked away laughing. The victim sustained serious injuries as a result.
Multiple witnesses placed Cheama at the scene and described him carrying a backpack and a baton-like object before and during the attack. The investigation revealed that Cheama had previously made statements suggesting he was looking for the victim.
Cheama is charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting 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 Jordan is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Defendant: Adrian Cheama
Criminal Charges: Assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon
City and State: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Exact Date: June 16, 2025
Sentence or Outcome: Pending trial, faces up to 10 years in prison
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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