ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A tragic crash on the Navajo Nation in 2018 has led to a guilty plea from a 26-year-old Arizona woman. Kayla Baker, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country in federal court on May 19.
Baker will remain in custody pending sentencing, which has not been scheduled. According to the plea agreement and other court records, the incident occurred on June 16, 2018. Baker was driving while intoxicated when she attempted to pass another vehicle, but steered into the path of an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a crash that killed the other driver and severely injured the leg of a passenger.
Tests following the crash showed Baker’s blood alcohol content was .12 and there was THC in her system. Law enforcement also found alcohol in Baker’s vehicle. The crash occurred in New Mexico on the Navajo Nation.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is prosecuting the case.
Baker faces up to eight years in prison. As the defendant awaits sentencing, the community continues to grapple with the devastating consequences of the crash.
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible driving and the dangers of driving under the influence. The Navajo Nation and surrounding communities will be watching as Baker’s sentencing approaches.
The investigation and prosecution of this case are a testament to the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring justice is served in Indian Country.
Related Federal Cases
- Brian Tony, Voluntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2016 · Colorado
- Olan Jumbo, Involuntary Manslaughter, New Mexico 2022 · Utah
- Anthony William Delgado, Sledgehammer Manslaughter, Parker AZ, 2023 · Colorado
- Charleston Wauneka, Federal Assault, New Mexico 2024 · Puerto Rico
- Broderrick Ramon Coggeshell, Involuntary Manslaughter, Arizona 2024 · Arizona
Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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