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Assault with Intent to Commit Murder Lands Española Man Behind Bars
A 61-year-old Española man has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for a violent assault that left a victim with permanent damage.
Patrick Tafoya, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Santa Clara, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to commit murder on January 28. On September 13, he was handed down the sentence by a federal judge.
The assault occurred on September 8, 2020, when Tafoya struck a female victim, identified as Jane Doe, with his truck, pinning her against a utility pole. The victim suffered severe injuries, including permanent damage to her leg that required multiple surgeries.
Tafoya’s actions were all the more egregious given that he had driven the victim to a bank to repay a debt, only to turn on her and cause such harm. Authorities say he then fled the scene without calling for medical assistance.
The case was investigated by the Santa Fe Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall handling the prosecution.
Upon his release from prison, Tafoya will be subject to three years of supervised release, a stark reminder of the consequences of such violent behavior. This sentence serves as a warning to those who would think to cause harm to others, and we hope it brings some measure of justice to the victim in this case.
The residents of Española and the surrounding areas can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served in this case. The people have spoken, and Patrick Tafoya will have to face the consequences of his actions for many years to come.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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