Paanchi was one of three sons of Pahoran who contended for the Nephite judgment seat after their father, the chief judge, died around 52 B.C. (Helaman 1:2-4). The seat was given to his brother Pahoran by the voice of the people; his brother Pacumeni accepted the result, but Paanchi did not (Helaman 1:5-6). Angry at the outcome, Paanchi was about to flatter his supporters into rising up in rebellion against their brethren (Helaman 1:7).
Before he could act, Paanchi was taken and tried “according to the voice of the people,” then condemned to death for raising rebellion and seeking to destroy the liberty of the people (Helaman 1:8). His supporters, angry that he had been condemned, sent a man named Kishkumen, who murdered his brother Pahoran on the judgment seat; Pacumeni was then appointed chief judge in Pahoran’s place (Helaman 1:9, 13). Kishkumen and his band entered a covenant of secrecy, and Gadianton later became their leader (Helaman 2:3-4).