A Bread Springs man has pleaded guilty to a brutal crime on the Navajo Nation.
Jansen Peshlakai, 53, of Bread Springs, New Mexico, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty today in federal court to voluntary manslaughter in Indian Country. He will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement and other court records, on June 13, 2018, in San Juan County, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation, Peshlakai used his vehicle to ram the vehicle of another man. In doing so, Peshlakai ran over the victim, identified in court records as Lee Thomas, killing him. In the plea agreement, Peshlakai admitted that he acted in the heat of passion and lost self-control.
Peshlakai faces up to 15 years in prison.
The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Criminal Investigation.
This case is a sobering reminder of the dangers of road rage and the devastating consequences that can result from acts of violence.
Jansen Peshlakai’s guilty plea is a significant step towards justice for the victim and his family.
Related Federal Cases
- Nochise Martinez, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Rob Begay, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2023 · New Mexico
- Tracey Beaver, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2016 · Puerto Rico
- Byron Harold Peshlakai, DUI Manslaughter, NM 2015 · New Mexico
- Jennifer Nelson, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2024 · Puerto Rico
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
