Zuni Woman Indicted for Child Abuse Death

ALBUQUERQUE — A chilling case of child neglect has come to light as Miranda Cachini, a 26-year-old enrolled member of the Zuni Pueblo, faces federal charges for her alleged role in the tragic death of a minor child.

Court documents reveal that on January 26, 2025, Cachini allowed the child to be placed in a perilous situation, resulting in the child’s untimely demise. The heinous act has led to Cachini being charged with abuse of a child resulting in death. If convicted, she could face up to 18 years behind bars.

The grim announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Philip Russell, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office. The investigation into this harrowing case was led by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Zuni Pueblo Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Mondragon is handling the prosecution of this case. Meanwhile, Cachini remains in third-party custody until trial, which has yet to be scheduled. The grim reality of this situation underscores the gravity of child abuse and neglect cases.

The public is reminded that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

For more information on this tragic case, view the Indictment (Cachini).pdf.

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