Qaya Mikel Gordon, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Idaho 2022

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho – In a shocking turn of events, Qaya Mikel Gordon, a 20-year-old man from Lapwai, Idaho, has been found guilty of two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon by a federal jury in Coeur d’Alene.

According to court records and evidence presented at trial, Gordon attacked and injured his mother and her boyfriend with a hammer on November 1, 2021, on the Nez Perce Indian reservation.

Gordon initially denied involvement in the crime, telling the police that he was not there. However, at trial, he acknowledged that he was present but claimed that he acted in self-defense. Unfortunately, the jury did not buy his defense and found him guilty of the charges.

The successful investigation and prosecution of this case were attributed to the collaborative effort of the Nez Perce Tribal Police and Prosecutor’s Offices, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

“We succeed in protecting our citizens and furthering the interests of justice when we work together,” said U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit.

In related news, U.S. Attorney Hurwit encouraged those experiencing domestic violence or those who know of someone in need of help to reach out to local law enforcement or to the free and confidential National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE, texting “START” to 88788, or visiting their website at www.thehotline.org.

Chief U.S. District Judge David C. Nye has set sentencing for September 14, 2022, at 9:00 a.m. at the federal courthouse in Coeur d’Alene.

Gordon will face the consequences of his actions and will be held accountable for the harm he has caused to his mother and her boyfriend.

The prosecution of this case serves as a reminder that domestic violence will not be tolerated in our communities and that those who commit such crimes will be held accountable.

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