Philman Sam Pike, Violent Assault and Strangulation, New Mexico 2025

A brutal assault in New Mexico's Mescalero Apache Tribe has left a victim with serious injuries, and the perpetrator has pleaded guilty to the crime.

Philman Sam Pike, 24, an enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, attacked the victim on March 13, 2025, by punching, strangling and suffocating them, causing them to lose consciousness and extreme physical pain.

According to Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison, Pike pleaded guilty to assault by strangling, a serious crime that leaves the victim in a vulnerable position.

The assault was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jackson K. Dering V is prosecuting the case.

Pike faces up to 10 years in prison, as part of his sentencing, and upon his release from prison, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.

The case against Pike highlights the need for stricter laws and enforcement in cases of violent assault, particularly in Native American communities.

In New Mexico, violent assault and strangulation are taken seriously, and perpetrators can face severe consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.

The outcome of this case may serve as a warning to others who engage in similar violent behavior: New Mexico will not tolerate such crimes, and those who commit them will face justice.

Philman Sam Pike, 24, faces serious consequences for his actions, and the community can rest assured that he will not be able to harm others for a long time.

Philman Sam Pike, Defendant

Philman Sam Pike, a 24-year-old enrolled member of the Mescalero Apache Tribe, assaulted a victim by punching, strangling and suffocating them on March 13, 2025.

Criminal Charges: Assault by Strangling

City and State: Mescalero, New Mexico

Exact Date: March 13, 2025

Sentence or Outcome: Up to 10 years in prison, with three years of supervised release

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/mescalero-man-pleads-guilty-violent-assault-and-strangulation