Cody Allen Charlie, Second-Degree Murder, New Mexico 2022

A deadly drunk driving crash on Laguna Pueblo in 2022 resulted in the deaths of three members of the same family, and now the man responsible has pleaded guilty to the crime.

Cody Allen Charlie, 37, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, admitted to driving while intoxicated on August 7, 2022, when he crashed into another vehicle on Interstate 40, near mile marker 130.

The impact caused the other vehicle to veer off the interstate, onto the shoulder where it rolled over. Sadly, all three occupants of that vehicle were killed in the crash.

Instead of rendering aid, Charlie fled the scene on foot. His plea agreement admitted to second-degree murder charges.

Cody Allen Charlie faces between 10 and 20 years in prison at sentencing, which has not been scheduled. Upon his release from prison, he will be subject to up to five years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs with assistance from the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Zachary C. Jones are prosecuting the case.

The U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez announced the plea agreement today.

We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Background information on the defendant:

Cody Allen Charlie, 37, an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, was driving drunk and speeding when he crashed into another vehicle on Interstate 40, near mile marker 130, on August 7, 2022. The impact caused the other vehicle to veer off the interstate, onto the shoulder where it rolled over. All three occupants of that vehicle were killed in the crash.

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