Evelyn Bustamante, Drunk Driving, New Mexico 2021

Drunk Driver Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison for Fatal Crash

A tragic rollover accident in Shiprock, New Mexico has resulted in a 5-year prison sentence for a local woman.

Evelyn Bustamante, 60, was behind the wheel when she lost control of her vehicle, causing it to roll over and eject all three occupants. Tragically, her young granddaughter was killed in the crash, while another child sustained serious injuries.

Bustamante was driving her grandchildren from Shiprock and Farmington on July 1, 2021, when the accident occurred. Neither of the children were properly restrained in seatbelts or car seats.

First responders rushed the trio to the Northern Navajo Medical Center, where Bustamante admitted to consuming alcohol and methamphetamine earlier that day. Toxicology tests confirmed the presence of these substances in her system.

Jane Doe 1 suffered severe head trauma and was placed on a ventilator at the University of New Mexico Hospital. After five days, she succumbed to her injuries. Jane Doe 2 sustained a skull fracture and subdural hemorrhage but has since recovered.

Bustamante suffered multiple injuries, including lacerations and fractures, and underwent reconstructive surgery on her hand.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, made the announcement today.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and New Mexico State Police.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/shiprock-woman-sentenced-drunk-driving-crash-killed-grandchild