Kidnapping Accomplice Pleads Guilty in Fatal New Mexico Trunk Stabbing Case

Albuquerque, New Mexico- A woman pleaded guilty last week for her role in the kidnapping of a man that led to a tragic and deadly outcome. Kendra Panteah, 37, admitted to one count of kidnapping not resulting in death, as reported by federal prosecutors. The victim, known only as John Doe, was locked in a trunk and fatally stabbed when he attempted to escape in July 2019.

Although Panteah did not commit the murder, she was present during the harrowing incident. It was Gilbert John Jr. who fatally stabbed the victim, resulting in his sentencing to 21 years in prison for second-degree murder. The two individuals had reportedly consumed drugs, including methamphetamine, prior to the violent act. Panteah’s attorney mentioned that she had been struggling with substance abuse issues.

After the murder, John took the victim’s car with his body in the trunk to a remote location where he set it ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime. Panteah revealed that she was driving the victim’s car with others from Zuni, New Mexico, to Witch Wells, Arizona, intending to purchase alcohol. The victim, not in a driving role, began grabbing at the wheel, resulting in a violent altercation.

The situation escalated to the point where they locked the victim in the trunk after beating him. While the others exited the car, leaving Panteah to drive to Gallup with the man still confined in the trunk, she eventually sought John’s help. As they embarked on a journey to Navajo Nation, consuming alcohol and drugs, they eventually stopped at Bass Lake. It was here that the victim attempted to break out of the trunk, leading to a fatal stabbing.

Both Panteah and John were involved in the tragic events that unfolded, as outlined in their respective plea agreements. Panteah faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a potential maximum of 18 years. The sentencing is scheduled for January 27th. The incident highlights the issues of substance abuse prevalent in many Native American communities, emphasized by the events that transpired.