Woman admits to killing man by locking him in trunk and stabbing him with machete

Kendra Panteah, a 37-year-old woman, pleaded guilty to kidnapping in connection with the murder of a man in New Mexico. The victim, identified as John Doe, was stabbed to death by Gilbert John Jr. after being locked in a trunk during a drug-fueled incident in July 2019. Panteah did not physically harm the victim but was present during the kidnapping. Panteah and John had been using methamphetamine before the killing. After the murder, John drove the victim’s car to a remote area, set it on fire, and disposed of the body. Panteah admitted that she had been driving the car with the victim in the trunk, and eventually sought John’s help. They drove to a lake where the victim attempted to escape and was fatally stabbed by John with a machete. Panteah refused to participate in the stabbing. Both Panteah and John faced legal consequences for their involvement in the crime. Panteah faces a minimum of 10 years in prison, with a maximum sentence of up to 18 years. Her attorney cited substance abuse issues in Native American communities as a contributing factor to the tragedy. Panteah is Zuni, and John is Navajo, according to their plea agreements. The sentencing for Panteah is scheduled for January 27th, and her lawyer emphasized the destructive impact of drug and alcohol use on the events that led to the violent crime.

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