Pacumeni was a son of Pahoran, the Nephite chief judge, and the third Nephite chief judge to hold the office within a single year. After his father died in 52 BC, Pacumeni and his brothers Pahoran and Paanchi each contended for the judgment-seat, dividing the people into three factions. When the voice of the people chose his brother Pahoran, Pacumeni gave up his claim and united with that vote (Helaman 1:2-7).
Paanchi, condemned to death for moving his supporters toward rebellion, had a man named Kishkumen sent to murder Pahoran on the judgment-seat. Pacumeni was then appointed chief judge and governor by the voice of the people, to reign in his brother’s place (Helaman 1:9, 13). In the following year a Lamanite army led by Coriantumr, a Nephite dissenter and descendant of Zarahemla, marched on the city of Zarahemla, which had been left poorly guarded because of the contention over the government. Coriantumr cut down the watch, took the city, and Pacumeni fled before him to the city wall, where Coriantumr struck him against the wall and killed him (Helaman 1:18-21).