Benally Sentenced to 11 Years for DUI Manslaughter

PHOENIX, Ariz. – In a grim reminder of the dangers of drunk driving, Jarred Darnell Benally, 24, of Red Mesa, Arizona, has been sentenced to 132 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Diane J. Humetewa following Benally’s guilty plea on two counts of involuntary manslaughter.

The tragic incident occurred in October 2019 when Benally, while driving under the influence of alcohol at an alarming speed of 95 miles per hour, collided with another vehicle. The forceful impact caused the victim’s vehicle to collide with a second vehicle, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Both Benally and one of the victims were enrolled members of the Navajo Nation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kiyoko Patterson, representing the District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution of this case. The investigation was conducted by Navajo Nation Criminal Investigations, ensuring that justice was served for the innocent lives lost in this preventable tragedy.

The sentence imposed on Benally reflects the severe consequences of impaired driving and serves as a stark warning to others who may consider taking such dangerous risks. This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drunk driving and protect the public from senseless acts of violence.

For those seeking more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, official resources can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/. Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

CASE NUMBER: CR-20-8034-PCT-JJT
RELEASE NUMBER: 2021-089_Benally