Zuni Couple Charged with Assault with Intent to Commit Murder

ALBUQUERQUE – A Zuni couple was charged by indictment with assault with intent to commit murder, conspiracy, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury following a violent attack.

Shannon Concho, 45, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, appeared before a federal judge last week and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for September 12, 2024.

LouAnn Johnson, 28, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Zuni, previously appeared before a federal judge in May and will remain in custody pending trial, which is currently scheduled for September 12, 2024.

According to the indictment, on September 3, 2023, Concho and Johnson allegedly initiated a verbal altercation with John Doe, during which Johnson slapped John Doe multiple times. They then took John Doe's phones to prevent him from calling 911. The situation escalated when Concho began beating John Doe with a chair while stating his intent to murder him. Concho then instructed Johnson to kick John Doe in the head, and Johnson complied.

As the assault continued, a witness called the police. Subsequently, Johnson suggested that they flee the scene, which they did together. Concho and Johnson remained on the run until they were subsequently arrested in separate incidents.

If convicted of the current charges, Concho and Johnson face up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Zuni Police Department. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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