Gila River Man Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Shooting Death of Victim

PHOENIX—On April 18, 2012, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned an indictment against Martin Oliver Pablo, 22, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, for second-degree murder and use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The indictment alleges that on April 7, 2012, Pablo killed another member of the Gila River Indian Community on the Gila River Indian Reservation.

A conviction for second-degree murder carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both. A conviction for use of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence carries a minimum of 10 years in prison, to be served consecutively to the prison term for second-degree murder; a $250,000 fine; or both. In determining an actual sentence, U.S. District Judge David G. Campbell will consult the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide appropriate sentencing ranges. Judge Campbell, however, is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until competent evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Gila River Police Department. The prosecution is being handled by Jennifer E. Green and Heather H. Belt, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.