Drunk Driver Gets 12 Years in Fatal Crash

Tuba City, AZ – Derwin Davis Tsosie, Jr., 26, will spend the next 12 years behind bars after being convicted of second-degree murder. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Douglas L. Rayes, stems from a November 2022 crash where Tsosie, driving at a staggering 135 miles per hour, slammed into another vehicle, instantly killing the driver and severely injuring a passenger. This wasn’t a simple accident; it was a tragedy fueled by reckless disregard for human life.

The crash unfolded on the Navajo Nation Indian Reservation, placing the investigation under the purview of multiple agencies, including the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the FBI. Investigators quickly determined Tsosie wasn’t just speeding, he was obliterated. A blood alcohol test revealed a BAC of .323 – more than four times the legal limit. That’s not impaired driving, that’s operating a vehicle as a loaded weapon.

What makes this case even more infuriating? Tsosie’s driver’s license was already suspended due to a prior DUI arrest. This wasn’t a first offense, it was a continuation of a dangerous pattern. The feds didn’t buy the excuse of a mistake. The evidence clearly showed a man with a history of drunk driving, making a conscious decision to get behind the wheel while profoundly intoxicated. The victim’s family deserves better than an apology; they deserve accountability, and they got it.

The impact of Tsosie’s actions extends far beyond the immediate victims. The passenger left with serious injuries will face a lifetime of physical and emotional challenges. The victim’s family is left to grapple with an unimaginable loss. And the Navajo Nation, like all communities, is reminded of the devastating consequences of drunk driving. This case isn’t just about one man’s choices, it’s about the ripple effect of destruction he caused.

Federal prosecutors built a solid case, presenting irrefutable evidence of Tsosie’s intoxication and reckless behavior. The 12-year sentence reflects the severity of the crime and sends a clear message: driving under the influence is not a joke, and those who kill or injure others while drunk will be held accountable. The feds are serious about curbing this deadly epidemic.

But prison isn’t the end of the road for Tsosie. Following his 12-year sentence, he’ll be subjected to five years of supervised release. This will include regular check-ins, potential drug and alcohol testing, and restrictions on his movement. While it won’t bring back the victim, it’s a small measure of assurance that Tsosie won’t immediately endanger the public again upon release. The case number is undisclosed, and information requests should be directed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for continued awareness and prevention efforts. The Navajo Nation, and communities across the country, must reinforce the dangers of drunk driving and provide resources for those struggling with alcohol abuse. The memory of the victim demands it.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona handled the prosecution. For further information, contact the Public Affairs Office at the U.S. Attorney’s Office or visit their website. This case is a grim example of how a single, reckless decision can shatter lives and leave a community reeling.

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