Yakima, Washington – A White Swan couple received sentencing for a violent attack, with Sundron Larsell Miller, 37, getting 25 years in federal prison and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez, 28, receiving 17 years. Both individuals were involved in a carjacking, brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with intent to commit murder. Chief United States District Judge Stanley A. Bastian also imposed 5 years of federal supervision on the pair after their release from custody.
Court documents and trial information revealed that Miller and Cantu-Lopez, who were romantically linked, engaged in the violent assault on December 28, 2021, in the vicinity of Fort Simcoe Road on the Yakama Reservation. The victim, an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation, was driving her pickup when Miller initiated an assault on Cantu-Lopez. Both accused parties then turned their aggression towards the victim when she attempted to intervene.
During the altercation, the victim was forcibly removed from her truck, with Miller making an attempt to shoot her with her own gun. Fortunately, the firearm was not loaded, but the victim was subjected to further physical violence before being transported to a residence in White Swan. However, the victim managed to escape and seek help from the Yakama Nation Police Department, leading to the involvement of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the case.
Following a trial that commenced on August 7, 2023, a jury returned verdicts on August 11, 2023. U.S. Attorney Waldref commended the victim for her bravery in escaping the violent situation and cooperating with law enforcement to seek justice. The FBI’s Seattle field office’s Special Agent in Charge, Richard A. Collodi, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in combating such violent acts on state reservations.
The investigation into the case was a joint effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department, with prosecution handled by Michael Murphy, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington. The sentencing of the White Swan couple serves as a reminder of the need for strong partnerships and community engagement in ensuring safer and stronger tribal lands and communities in Eastern Washington.