A civil lawsuit seeking damages from three relatives in the shooting of a Native American activist in northern New Mexico has been settled, according to court documents. The incident occurred in September 2023 during confrontations over a statue of Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate.
The activist, Jacob Johns, of Spokane, Washington, who advocates for environmental causes and Native American rights, was severely wounded in the shooting. The terms of the settlement remain confidential.
The shooting took place at an outdoor gathering in Española, where plans to install a bronze likeness of Oñate had been canceled. The statue of Oñate is a controversial figure, revered and reviled for his historical role in establishing settlements along the Upper Rio Grande in 1598.
In January, Johns filed a lawsuit seeking damages from 23-year-old Ryan Martinez, who is currently facing charges of attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The civil suit also accused Martinez's parents of negligence for ignoring their son's behavior with guns.
Native American leaders have condemned the shooting, which occurred during a gathering to celebrate the decision not to install the Oñate statue. Martinez has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges, with prosecutors seeking sentence enhancements based on bias against a particular social group.
Martinez is scheduled for trial in July, with Johns listed as a potential witness. The case is being prosecuted by District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies, who is facing a primary election challenge in June.
Oñate, a historical figure in New Mexico, is both celebrated and criticized for his actions. To Native Americans, he is known for brutal acts, including ordering the mutilation of captive tribal warriors after an attack on Acoma Pueblo.
