ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man pleaded guilty to federal charges for fatally shooting an 18-year-old man and wounding a 16-year-old girl at a Church Rock residence in April 2025.
According to court records, in the early morning hours of April 6, 2025, a shooting occurred at a Church Rock, New Mexico residence. A resident of the home awoke to gunshots and, along with a second resident, entered 16-year-old Jane Doe’s bedroom, where the residents discovered 18-year-old John Doe deceased on the floor, Jane Doe suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect, Mario Israel Barraza , 19 .
According to court records, at approximately 3:30 a.m., Barraza arrived at Jane Doe’s residence and approached Jane Doe’s bedroom window. Barraza knew the window was sometimes left unlocked because he had previously entered the home through the window when visiting Jane Doe at night. When Barraza opened the window, he encountered John Doe, whom he had never met.
The two began fighting through the window, and during the altercation a handgun was introduced. Barraza gained possession of the handgun and fired at least 11 gunshots into the bedroom. Most of the shots struck John Doe; Jane Doe, who was directly behind John Doe, was also hit by gunfire.
Barraza fled the scene immediately after the shooting, drove home, and disposed of the handgun in an open field. He later provided his attorneys with the location of the handgun.
Jane Doe and John Doe are enrolled members of the Navajo Nation. Barraza is not an enrolled member of any federally recognized Tribe.
Barraza pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. At sentencing, he faces up to life in prison.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Special Agent in Charge Justin A. Garris of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Ramah-Navajo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office — New Mexico — U.S. Department of Justice press release.