Ohkay Owingeh Man Jerry Segura Jr. Facing Federal Assault Charges

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — In a harrowing incident that shook the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, 34-year-old Jerry Segura Jr., an enrolled member of the tribe, faced federal charges for assault with a dangerous weapon and using a firearm during a violent crime. The arraignment took place on February 13 in federal court, where it was revealed that Segura would remain in custody until trial.

Segura’s alleged crime stems from March 13, 2022, when he and his father drunkenly drove to the home of Segura’s then-girlfriend. Upon arrival, Segura unleashed at least 11 gunshots at or near her residence. Inside were Segura’s girlfriend, her daughter, and the daughter’s three-year-old son. The intended target was Segura’s girlfriend’s daughter, who spotted him through a living-room window.

Despite the terrifying incident, no one was injured by the gunfire. Nonetheless, the community remains on edge as details of the shooting surface in federal court documents.

Segura was arrested on February 8 and made his initial appearance before the court two days later. The case against him is serious; if convicted, he faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years for assault with a dangerous weapon and a mandatory minimum of 10 years for discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with assistance from local law enforcement agencies, including the Ohkay Owingeh Police Department and Espanola Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is handling the prosecution of this case.

As the trial date approaches on April 17, 2023, the grim details of this incident continue to unsettle residents of the Pueblo of Ohkay Owingeh, who await justice for what has become a haunting reminder of the dangers lurking within their community.