Gerrick Mariano, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, New Mexico 2022

A brutal argument turned deadly in Thoreau, New Mexico, when a Thoreau man shot his friend during a drunken fight.

Gerrick Mariano, 26 years old, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to court records, on August 20, 2022, Mariano and his friend got into a verbal argument after drinking alcohol. During the heated exchange, Mariano pointed a rifle at his friend’s chest, and after the friend pushed the barrel of the rifle away, it accidentally discharged, striking the man in the right shoulder.

The victim had to be airlifted to a hospital for urgent medical treatment and continues to experience limited use of his right shoulder.

At sentencing, Mariano faces up to 10 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release. He must also make restitution to his victim for expenses directly linked to the crime.

The investigation was led by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation, New Mexico State Police, and New Mexico Park Rangers. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary Jones is prosecuting the case.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Nunn's Web of Deceit Unravels in Texas Courtroom

Jul 1, 2017

Violent Crime

Alphin's Web of Deceit Unravels in ILND Courtroom

Jul 1, 2004

Violent Crime

Jeremy Lee Old Horse, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, South Dakota 2017

Mar 20, 2017

Violent Crime

United States v. Fultz, Jewelry Store Robbery, Virginia 2023

Jul 1, 2013