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LaSheena Jacquez Pleads Guilty to Second Degree Murder in New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE – LaSheena Jacquez, 27, of Kirtland, N.M., entered a guilty plea this morning to a second degree murder charge.
The guilty plea was entered under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Jacquez was one of five individuals, all of whom are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, who were indicted in Jan. 2014, on criminal charges arising from the kidnaping and brutal murder of a 28-year-old Navajo woman on Oct. 23, 2013.
The victim’s remains were recovered on Dec. 9, 2013. The four-count indictment charged Jacquez, Patrick Benally, 26, of Kirtland, Justin Benally, 26, of Farmington, N.M., Scott Thompson, 28, of Farmington, and Mariah Benally, 22, of Kirtland, with first degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to kidnap.
It also charged Jacquez, Justin Benally, Thompson and Mariah Benally with harboring Patrick Benally to prevent his arrest on a warrant for an unrelated crime. During this morning’s proceedings, Jacquez pled guilty to a felony information charging her with second degree murder.
In her plea agreement, Jacquez admitted causing to the victim’s death on Oct. 23, 2013, by repeatedly stabbing the victim with a knife, throwing rocks at the victim, and aiding and abetting others who also caused the victim’s death.
Jacquez admitted acting in wanton disregard for human life knowing that her actions created a serious risk of death or serious bodily injury. Jacquez also admitted that she destroyed evidence and aided and abetted others in the destruction of evidence in an effort to evade prosecution.
Jacquez has been in federal custody since her arrest and remains detained pending her sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled. Jacquez faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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