Zuni Pair Accused of Brutal Dog-Chase Assault

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Zuni man’s attempt to confront those responsible for hitting his dog turned violent, landing two tribal members in federal custody. Christopher Hannaweeke Sr., 48, and his son, Christopher Hannaweeke Jr., 29, both of Zuni, New Mexico, and enrolled members of the Pueblo of Zuni, are facing federal charges of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country after a brutal beating on January 27th.

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, the incident began when the victim’s mother witnessed a vehicle strike the family’s dog. The victim immediately pursued the vehicle on foot, eventually confronting the occupants when they stopped. The complaint alleges that Hannaweeke Sr. immediately struck the victim over the head with an unidentified object, knocking him to the ground. What followed was a sustained assault, with both Hannaweeke Sr. and Jr., along with a third unidentified individual, allegedly punching and kicking the victim repeatedly.

Multiple witnesses reportedly intervened to stop the attack, and one witness positively identified Hannaweeke Jr. as one of the assailants. The victim sustained serious bodily injury as a result of the beating, requiring immediate surgical intervention. The specifics of the injuries haven’t been released, but authorities confirm they were severe enough to warrant hospitalization and extensive medical care.

Both Hannaweeke Sr. and Hannaweeke Jr. made their initial appearance in federal court and are currently being held without bail, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for February 16th. The details of the alleged motive remain unclear, although the initial trigger appears to be the vehicle striking the victim’s dog. The involvement of the third individual is still under investigation.

“This was a particularly vicious attack,” said a source close to the investigation who wished to remain anonymous. “The level of violence, and the fact that it happened after a seemingly minor incident involving an animal, is deeply disturbing.” The FBI’s Gallup Resident Agency, with assistance from the Zuni Police Department, spearheaded the investigation.

Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case. If convicted of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in Indian Country, Hannaweeke Sr. and Hannaweeke Jr. each face a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison. It’s important to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. # # # 23-27