⏱ 2 min read
Azaiah Nathaniel Zuniga-Valle, a 20-year-old from Amarillo, Texas, pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a machinegun after firing at a house party on March 22. The party, located on the 300 Block of South Mississippi Street, was filled with people when Zuniga-Valle recklessly fired an illegally altered fully automatic weapon. The incident occurred after Zuniga-Valle was asked to leave the party, and he responded by shooting at the house, striking it with multiple bullets.
The Amarillo Police Department quickly responded to the scene, and with the help of the FBI, they were able to identify Zuniga-Valle as the suspect. According to plea papers, a video taken by a party attendee showed Zuniga-Valle with a rifle that had an auto sear device attached, which would allow the firearm to function as a machinegun.
US Attorney Ryan Raybould praised the swift action of the Amarillo police and federal partners in investigating and prosecuting the case. Raybould stated that Zuniga-Valle showed a wanton disregard for public safety and that the use of Glock switches to turn ordinary firearms into machineguns is a serious concern. The FBI also emphasized the importance of partnerships in combatting violent crime.
The guilty plea is part of a larger effort by the US Attorney’s Office to increase its federal presence in the Amarillo Division and crack down on violent crime. As US Attorney Raybould warned, criminals in and around Amarillo should be worried, as the authorities are coming for them.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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