A man from Crownpoint, New Mexico, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after a fatal crash that occurred while he was under the influence of alcohol and prescription opioids. Joey Martin, 55, who is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, admitted in court documents that on July 3, 2024, he lost control of his vehicle on State Highway 371 in Crownpoint after swerving to avoid a semitruck. The incident resulted in the death of his passenger.
After the crash, Martin told authorities he had taken opioid pain medication one or two hours before driving. He now faces up to eight years in prison at sentencing and could be subject to supervised release for up to three years or potentially for life upon release.
"Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today."
The case was investigated by the Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Pahl is prosecuting.
The announcement comes after a federal government shutdown ended earlier this month.
