Zuni witch defense doesn't fly, jury convicts Edaakie of murder

by Joseph J. Kolb

     GALLUP -- A jury saw through the legal smoke and mirrors prosecutor Jim Bierly cautioned them against during his closing arguments of the defense team's tactics and convicted Merle Edaakie of second degree murder and tampering with evidence in District Court Oct. 21.

     Edaakie was charged with the brutal Oct. 24, 2009 stabbing death of Myron Yazzie allegedly in a jealous rage over a girl at an apartment complex off Dani Drive. Edaakie, asserts he didn't stab Yazzie 16 times but that it was a Zuni witch that took his likeness that committed the crime then fled with the murder weapon which has never been recovered.