Tavis Washburn, Involuntary Manslaughter and Child Abuse, New Mexico 2019

Albuquerque, New Mexico - A devastating crash on the Navajo Indian Reservation has led to a guilty plea for a Sanostee, N.M. man. Tavis Washburn, 27, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, pleaded guilty in federal court in Albuquerque on July 12, 2019 to charges of involuntary manslaughter and child abuse in Indian Country.

According to the plea agreement, Washburn admitted to committing these crimes on February 15, 2018 in San Juan County. Washburn was driving drunk and speeding on a highway when he crashed his car into a truck turning onto the road. The impact of the crash killed the passenger in the front passenger seat of Washburn’s vehicle.

The crash also endangered Washburn’s 2-year-old son, who was a passenger in the vehicle. The incident occurred within the Navajo Indian Reservation.

Washburn currently is out of custody pending sentencing. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Washburn faces 71 to 120 months of imprisonment when he is sentenced. A sentencing date has not been scheduled.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Farmington office and the Shiprock office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allison C. Jaros is prosecuting the case.

Tavis Washburn, a Navajo man from Sanostee, N.M., will face a severe sentence for his reckless actions. The guilty plea serves as a reminder of the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of road safety.

The community is still reeling from the tragic loss of life in this incident. As the sentencing date approaches, the family and friends of the victim will be seeking justice and closure.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/navajo-man-sanostee-nm-pleads-guilty-federalinvoluntary-manslaughter-and-child-abuse