30-Year-Old Utah Man Gets 15 Years for Stealing Truck that Killed 5-Year-Old

Utah Man Gets 15 Years for Stealing Truck that Killed 5-Year-Old

Salt Lake City, UT – In a grim reminder of the devastating consequences of carjackings, Qwana McCook, a 30-year-old man from White Mesa, Utah, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for stealing a truck from a victim, which killed a 5-year-old girl in the back seat.

On May 8, 2022, McCook, without the victim’s permission, took a vehicle from her mother while on the White Mesa Indian Reservation. Despite pleas from the child’s mother and family members, McCook did not return the child home and instead purchased alcohol. As alleged, in court documents and by McCook’s passenger and co-defendant, Augustice Yellow, McCook began drinking and driving at the time of the crash, traveling well above the speed limit. The child was ejected from the truck and declared dead at the scene.

McCook pleaded guilty to robbery and first-degree felony murder while on the White Mesa Indian Reservation in March 2024. The sentence, imposed by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Robert J. Shelby, also includes five years of supervised release and $250,000 in restitution.

“This case is a horrific reminder that carjackings threaten the lives of innocent victims,” said United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. “McCook’s senseless actions are reprehensible and caused the terrible death of a young girl.” Higgins added that her office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who use violence to destroy the safety of their communities.

Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the Salt Lake City FBI echoed Higgins’ sentiments, stating, “McCook’s extremely selfish decisions that day will forever impact a family who is left grieving the loss of their young daughter.” Sinha continued, “Although nothing will bring the child back, we hope the sentence will send a sobering message about the devastating consequences of drinking and driving.”

McCook’s co-defendant, Augustice Yellow, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony and will be sentenced at a later date. The case was investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Monticello Resident Agency, San Juan County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Navajo Nation Patrol and Investigations, and the Utah Highway Patrol. Assistant United States Attorney Thaddeus J. May of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.

In conclusion, the tragic consequences of McCook’s actions serve as a stark reminder of the importance of prioritizing public safety and the severe consequences of carjackings and drunk driving.

The investigation and prosecution of this case highlight the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to bring justice to the victims and their families.