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Evelyn Bustamante, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2021
In a tragic turn of events, 59-year-old Evelyn Bustamante of Sanostee, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. According to court documents, Bustamante’s actions led to the death of one of her children and injuries to another.
On July 1, 2021, Bustamante lost control of the vehicle she was driving, causing it to crash and ejecting both herself and her two children from the vehicle. Unfortunately, neither of the children were wearing seatbelts or car-seats at the time of the accident. The second child suffered a skull fracture and subdural hemorrhaging but recovered from their injuries.
Test results showed that Bustamante’s blood alcohol concentration was a staggering .18 at the time of the accident, more than twice the legal limit in New Mexico. Furthermore, toxicological examination revealed the presence of methamphetamine and amphetamine in her system. Bustamante admitted to drinking alcohol earlier that morning.
The devastating crash occurred near Hogback, New Mexico. As a result of her guilty plea, Bustamante is facing a potential sentence of 5 to 8 years in prison followed by up to 3 years of supervised release.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, along with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and New Mexico State Police, conducted the investigation into this tragic incident. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew McGinley is handling the prosecution of the case.
Bustamante will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled at this time. As the case unfolds, the Grimy Times will continue to provide updates and coverage of the proceedings.
The guilty plea and sentencing announcement serve as a somber reminder of the importance of responsible driving habits and the severe consequences of impaired driving.
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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