Caddo County Man Charged with Shooting Woman in Indian Country

OKLAHOMA CITY – MARTIN ROCHA, 56, a resident of Caddo County, has been charged with assaulting a woman in Indian Country with a rifle with the intent to murder her, along with other charges, announced Robert J. Troester, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma.

According to an affidavit in support of a criminal complaint filed in federal court on May 19, 2018, officers with the Binger Police Department and the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs Law Enforcement after a 911 call reported Rocha’s shooting of a woman with a Winchester 30-30 rifle.  According to the affidavit, Rocha was estranged from his wife and not allowed to live with her.  The investigation determined that Rocha drove up to the residence, got out of his car, and fired a single shot that caused life-threatening injuries to the victim.  Rocha has been in custody since the evening of the shooting.

On June 20, a federal grand jury returned a five-count indictment against Rocha.  He is charged with assault with intent to commit murder, assault with a dangerous weapon, assault resulting in serious bodily injury, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and using a firearm during a crime of violence.  The assault charges are federal crimes because the indictment alleges the victim is an Indian and the shooting took place in Indian Country.  More specifically, the affidavit identifies the victim as a member of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes and also states that Rocha is not an Indian.

If Rocha is convicted of assault with intent to commit murder, he could be imprisoned for up to twenty years, followed by up to three years of supervised release, and fined up to $250,000.  Convictions on the other two assault counts and on the felon-in-possession count could lead to prison sentences of ten years, three years of supervised release, and fines of up to $250,000.  If convicted of using a firearm during a crime of violence, he would face a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum of life.  Imprisonment imposed based on this last count would be consecutive to sentences on the other counts.  Rocha could also be ordered to pay restitution to his victim.

These charges are the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, with assistance from the Binger Police Department and the Caddo County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Arvo Mikkanen is prosecuting the case.

The public is reminded that these charges are merely allegations and that Rocha is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.  Reference is made to public filings for further information.