Joey Luarkie, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2024

ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO – Joey Luarkie, a 24-year-old man from Zuni, has been charged with voluntary manslaughter after a confrontation at a residence escalated into violence, resulting in the death of the victim.

Luarkie, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, was at the home of Jane Doe in Zuni on February 4, 2024, when her boyfriend, John Doe, arrived. A physical altercation ensued, and Luarkie allegedly stabbed John Doe in the throat.

John Doe exited the residence and collapsed in the front yard, where responding officers from the Zuni Police Department found Jane Doe performing CPR on him. He was transported to Zuni Health Center before being life-flighted to the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he underwent two emergency surgeries.

Luarkie initially faced charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, but after John Doe died from his injuries, prosecutors upgraded the charges to voluntary manslaughter through an indictment.

If convicted, Luarkie faces a maximum of 15 years in prison. He will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Luarkie’s exact criminal charges include voluntary manslaughter. The crime occurred in Zuni, New Mexico, on February 4, 2024. Luarkie will face a prison sentence if convicted.