Gila River Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Aggravated Assault

PHOENIX—Anthony Wapeta, 22, of Phoenix and a member of the Gila River Indian Tribe, was sentenced today to 18 years in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver. Wapeta pleaded guilty on April 9, 2009 to Assault of a Minor while using a Dangerous Weapon, a handgun, Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.

On June 15, 2008, Wapeta and a 21-year-old male friend entered the residence of the teenage victim on the Gila River Indian Reservation, without permission from the victim or his family. During an ensuing physical altercation, Wapeta shot and seriously wounded the victim. During the altercation, the minor victim shot and fatally wounded the other adult male, who died at the scene. The victim’s younger sister was also shot and wounded during the altercation. Wapeta initially fled the area, disposing of the handgun used in the shooting, before returning to the scene to check on his friend’s condition. Wapeta was then arrested by investigating police officers.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution was handled by Thomas C. Simon, Assistant U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

CASE NUMBER: CR-08-0761-PHX-ROS
RELEASE NUMBER: 2009-278(Wapeta)

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