Drunk Driver Sentenced to Nine Years for Involuntary Manslaughter

Broderrick Ramon Coggeshell, a 38-year-old man from Chinle, Arizona, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his role in a drunk driving crash that resulted in the death of one man and serious injuries to another.

Coggeshell, who pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury, crossed the center line of traffic while intoxicated and collided with a vehicle occupied by three brothers in December 2022. The victims, like Coggeshell, were members of the Navajo Nation.

The crash, which occurred on a road in Arizona, was particularly devastating due to the level of intoxication Coggeshell was under at the time. According to authorities, Coggeshell’s blood-alcohol content was likely significantly higher than the legal limit, making his actions all the more reckless and deadly.

Coggeshell’s sentence was handed down by United States District Judge Michael T. Liburdi on Monday. In addition to the nine-year prison term, Coggeshell will also serve three years of supervised release upon his release from prison.

The investigation into the crash was conducted by the Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations Division, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiyoko Patterson handling the prosecution.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating consequences that can result from such reckless behavior. Coggeshell’s actions that night will now have consequences for the next nine years, and the families of the victims will finally have closure.

For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X at @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

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