A federal case has been initiated against a 32-year-old woman, Mariah Zuni, from Isleta Village, for the brutal murder of her two young children at Isleta Pueblo. Zuni appeared in federal court today for her preliminary hearing and will remain in temporary custody until a detention hearing scheduled for March 27, 2024.
According to the criminal complaint, on March 21, 2024, Zuni allegedly used a bread knife to slit the throats of her 5-year-old son and 9-month-old son in their residence located on the Isleta Pueblo.
If found guilty of the charges, Zuni could face a life sentence.
The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
The FBI Albuquerque Field Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Isleta Police Department, while Assistant United States Attorney Caitlin L. Dillon is prosecuting the case.
It’s important to note that a criminal complaint is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
You can view the criminal complaint here.