Alexander M.M. Uballez U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico
A Farmington man has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal car accident that occurred in 2024. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the plea, highlighting the absence of parole in the federal system.
Court documents reveal that on September 22, 2024, Irvin Virgil Wauneka, Jr., aged 35 and a member of the Navajo Nation, was driving under the influence after consuming approximately half a pint of Jim Beam whiskey. Jane Doe was a passenger in his vehicle when Wauneka's impaired driving led to a head-on collision with another vehicle. Jane Doe died at the scene from her injuries.
Wauneka could face up to eight years in prison followed by three years of supervised release upon sentencing.
The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Holland S. Kastrin and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
The case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI’s Albuquerque Field Office with support from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is handling prosecution duties for this case.
