UINTA CANYON, UTAH – A Ute Fish and Wildlife Officer has admitted to a brazen act of violence on tribal land. Waneka Rosebud Cornpeach, 42, of Fort Duchesne, Utah, pled guilty today to felony charges of assault with a dangerous weapon and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, both committed while operating within Indian Country. The details are grim, and the consequences are coming – but not for over a year.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, Cornpeach fired her weapon at two separate victims on July 17, 2022, in the remote Uinta Canyon. Both victims suffered serious bodily injuries as a direct result of her actions. The specifics of what triggered the shooting remain tightly guarded, but the damage is undeniable. This wasn’t a hunting accident; this was intentional violence.
The FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office spearheaded the investigation, piecing together the events from a location notoriously difficult to access and investigate. Sources within the Bureau tell Grimy Times that securing witness testimony proved challenging, and the remote location initially hampered evidence collection. But the feds built a solid case, forcing Cornpeach to face the music.
Assistant United States Attorney Brian Dunn, from the District of Colorado, is prosecuting the case in the United States District Court for the District of Utah. Dunn is known for his relentless pursuit of justice in cases involving crimes against Native Americans, and this case is no different. He’s securing accountability for an abuse of power and a horrific assault.
Cornpeach was immediately remanded into custody after entering her guilty plea. However, sentencing is disturbingly far off – not until November 17, 2025. This lengthy delay will undoubtedly fuel anger among tribal members and raise questions about the pace of justice in these cases. The court record lists the case number as 2:23-cr-00434-HCN-DAO-1.
Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within Indian Country and the need for thorough investigations and swift justice when those sworn to protect are themselves the perpetrators. This isn’t just about one officer; it’s about a breach of trust and a community demanding answers.
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Key Facts
- State: Colorado
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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