A McNary, Arizona man has been sentenced to more than eight years in federal prison for the death of his significant other. Termane Billy Celaya, 20, received a 97-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Sharad H. Desai after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter.
According to court records, Celaya was involved in an argument with the victim while seated in his pickup truck and she stood outside. During the altercation, he backed up and then drove forward, striking and killing her with the vehicle. Celaya left the scene but was later apprehended by law enforcement following a pursuit.
The investigation was conducted by FBI Phoenix, its Pinetop-Lakeside office, and the White Mountain Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Church prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine announced the sentencing on February 5, 2026.
More information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona is available at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
