ALBUQUERQUE – A brazen act of violence in Isleta Village has landed Vincent Jerome Martinez, 18, behind bars after he admitted to shooting at a man in December. Martinez, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, pleaded guilty today to assault with a dangerous weapon under the Major Crimes Act, a federal charge carrying a hefty penalty.
The incident unfolded on December 14, 2023, when Isleta Pueblo officers responded to reports of gunfire in a residential area. Upon arrival, officers spotted Martinez, clad in black, attempting to flee behind a shed. A subsequent search revealed three 12-gauge shotgun rounds in his pocket and a disturbing discovery: a modified shotgun with its serial number deliberately obliterated, concealed under a railroad tie near the shed.
Court documents paint a chilling picture of the attack. The victim, who had arrived to offer transportation, was immediately confronted by Martinez, who allegedly emerged from a residence and pointed the shotgun directly at him, issuing threats to end his life. Martinez then discharged the weapon into the air, prompting the victim to attempt an escape. But the threat wasn’t over. As the victim sped away in his vehicle, Martinez unleashed a volley of shots, actively firing at the fleeing car before disappearing behind the same shed where officers later apprehended him. The shotgun found at the scene contained one spent shell in the ejection port and one live round in the chamber, along with two additional spent casings nearby.
This wasn’t a random act; it was a calculated assault, fueled by intent to harm. The obliteration of the shotgun’s serial number suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal the weapon’s origins, a tactic often employed by those involved in illicit activities. The Bureau of Indian Affairs, with crucial assistance from the Isleta Police Department, meticulously pieced together the evidence, leading to Martinez’s swift arrest and ultimate guilty plea.
Martinez now faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He remains in custody pending sentencing, the date of which has not yet been set. This case serves as a stark reminder that violent crime will not be tolerated, particularly within tribal lands, and that federal authorities will vigorously prosecute those who endanger the safety of others.
U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced the guilty plea today. Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is leading the prosecution. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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