YAKIMA, Wash. – A White Swan couple was sentenced to a combined 42 years in prison for multiple charges related to assault and carjacking, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington.
On Dec. 28, 2021, Sundron Larsell Miller, 37, and Paula Eulojia Cantu-Lopez, 28, were driving on the Yakama Reservation in the victim’s pickup truck. The two started fighting then turned to assault the victim, a member of the Yakama Nation, when she tried to intervene.
Court documents say the woman was pulled out of her truck and Miller attempted to shoot her with her rifle. though the rifle was unloaded.
The two then threw the victim into the back of her own truck and drove to a home in White Swan where they would beat her again.
The victim would later break free and contact law enforcement. The Yakama Nation Police Department and the FBI investigated the case.
Miller was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, being a felon in possession of a firearm and assault with intent to commit murder.
Cantu-Lopez is facing 17 years in prison for carjacking, brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and assault resulting in serious bodily injury.
The White Swan couple will also see five years each of federal supervision following their release from custody.
“The victim in this case suffered horrifying acts of violence. I applaud her bravery in escaping, and her courage to come forward and engage with law enforcement to seek justice,” said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref. “I am grateful for our strong partnerships with the Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, the FBI, and community members. By working together, we can continue to build trust and foster safer and stronger communities on Tribal lands and throughout Eastern Washington.”
