Joshua Rakestraw, Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault, New Mexico 2014

A shocking act of violence has shaken a small community in New Mexico. Joshua Rakestraw, a 24-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault charges related to a fatal hit-and-run crash that left one victim dead and another seriously injured.

According to court records, Rakestraw was behind the wheel of his truck on October 28, 2014, when he struck both victims at Morgan Lake, south of Kirtland, New Mexico. One of the victims died as a result of the crash, while the other suffered severe injuries, including a dislocated hip and a broken rib.

Rakestraw, who was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash, will face a sentence of 48 months in prison followed by up to three years of supervised release. He has been in federal custody since his arrest on November 3, 2014, and will remain detained pending a sentencing hearing, which has yet to be scheduled.

The case was investigated by the Farmington office of the FBI and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shammara Henderson is prosecuting the case.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many left to wonder how such a tragedy could occur. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the devastating consequences that can result from such reckless behavior.

Rakestraw’s guilty plea brings an end to a lengthy and complex investigation, but it is unlikely to bring closure to the families of the victims. As the community begins to heal and rebuild, it is essential that we reflect on the importance of road safety and the devastating impact that reckless behavior can have on innocent lives.

The case is a sobering reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and the need for continued vigilance in preventing such tragedies from occurring in the future.

Joshua Rakestraw, 24, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and assault charges related to a fatal hit-and-run crash in New Mexico.

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