An Arizona man, Marvin Albert Wauneka, has been sentenced to 40 months in prison after pleading guilty to causing a fatal drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation. The incident took place on November 14, 2024, when Wauneka, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove at speeds between 85 and 100 miles per hour on Navajo Route 54 while intoxicated. According to court records, Wauneka drank heavily before work and continued drinking throughout the day.
The crash resulted in the deaths of two passengers at the scene. A third passenger sustained serious injuries but managed to escape the wreckage, while a fourth passenger escaped without serious harm. At the hospital following the accident, Wauneka’s blood alcohol content was measured at .298.
Wauneka pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury. He had previously been convicted in Navajo Nation Tribal Court for this offense and sentenced to 167 days in custody. After completing his prison sentence, he will be subject to three years of supervised release.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Acting Special Agent in Charge Philip Russell of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office made the announcement today."
The case was investigated by the Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from both the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting.
