ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A Navajo woman is facing serious charges after a tragic incident left a child dead and three others in harm’s way.
Leticia Ashley, 42, of Navajo, New Mexico, and an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was arraigned on March 6 on an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter and abandonment and abuse of a child.
According to the indictment, on July 29, 2022, Ashley, while under the influence of alcohol, operated a motor vehicle with children in the car and placed those children in a situation which resulted in the death of one and endangered the lives of three others. The incident occurred in McKinley County, New Mexico, within the bounds of the Navajo Nation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Ashley faces up to 8 years in prison.
The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly N. Bell is prosecuting the case.
Ashley will remain under supervision pending trial, which has not been scheduled. The case serves as a reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence and the importance of prioritizing child safety.
As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of those affected by this tragedy.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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