ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a devastating case, Evelyn Bustamante, a 59-year-old resident of Sanostee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter.
Fatal Crash
According to the plea agreement and court documents, on July 1, 2021, Bustamante lost control of the vehicle she was driving, causing it to crash and ejecting both Bustamante and her two children from the vehicle. Neither of the children were seat belted or in car-seats. One of the children died from their injuries. The second suffered a skull fracture and subdural hemorrhaging but recovered.
Alcohol and Drugs
Tests showed that Bustamante’s blood alcohol concentration was .18 at the time of the accident, which is more than twice the legal limit in New Mexico. The crash occurred near Hogback, New Mexico. Bustamante admitted to drinking alcohol that morning. During a routine toxicological examination, doctors determined that she had methamphetamine and amphetamine in her system.
Investigation and Prosecution
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. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McGinley is prosecuting the case.
Sentence
Under the terms of the agreement, Bustamante can be sentenced between 5 and 8 years in prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release.
Case Details
* Defendant: Evelyn Bustamante
* City and State: Sanostee, New Mexico
* EXACT DATE: July 1, 2021
* Exact Criminal Charges: Involuntary Manslaughter
* Sentence: 5-8 years in prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release
Related Federal Cases
- Rob Begay, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Tracey Beaver, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2016 · Puerto Rico
- Jennifer Nelson, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2024 · Puerto Rico
- Calvin Frank Joe, Involuntary Manslaughter, NM, 2013 · New Mexico
- Paul Raymond Garcia, Involuntary Manslaughter, NM 2024 · New Mexico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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