Zuni Man Charged in Unprovoked Stabbing

ALBUQUERQUE – A chilling act of senseless violence shook the streets of Zuni, New Mexico, as Adrian Cheama, 36, an enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, was charged in federal court for an unprovoked stabbing that left a victim seriously injured.

The night of June 16, 2025, turned tragic when Cheama is alleged to have approached the victim on a residential street, stabbed him in the abdomen with a circular metal pole or knife, and then walked away laughing. The brutal attack has left the victim with life-threatening injuries.

Court documents reveal that multiple witnesses identified Cheama at the scene, describing him as carrying a backpack and an object resembling a baton during the assault. Further investigation revealed Cheama had made previous statements indicating his intent to find the victim.

Charged with assault resulting in serious bodily injury and assault with a dangerous weapon, Cheama faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. The U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, announced the charges today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation with support from the Zuni Police Department, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Jordan is handling the prosecution. As per legal protocol, a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

RELATED: Zuni Man Stabbed Victim in Albuquerque Street Attack

RELATED: Flores-Alvarez, Esparza-Gallardo, Javana-Zuniga Charged with Illegal Re-Entry