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Zuni Pueblo Man Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter
ALBUQUERQUE – A devastating act of senseless violence has finally reached its end, but not without a heavy price for the perpetrator. Darold Ray ZunieFeathers, 21, a member and resident of Zuni Pueblo, N.M., was sentenced today in federal court in Santa Fe, N.M., to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his involuntary manslaughter conviction.
ZunieFeathers was arrested in April 2016, on a criminal complaint charging him with involuntary manslaughter. According to the complaint, ZunieFeathers killed a Zuni Pueblo man by running over him with a vehicle on July 29, 2015, on the Zuni Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M. At the time ZunieFeathers ran over the victim, ZunieFeathers was driving under the influence of alcohol. ZunieFeathers was subsequently indicted on the same charge on May 10, 2016.
This tragic incident highlights the devastating consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel, especially when combined with intoxication. The fact that ZunieFeathers was driving at the time of the incident raises serious concerns about his judgment and ability to operate a vehicle safely.
On Jan. 11, 2017, ZunieFeathers pled guilty to the indictment and admitted killing the victim by driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. ZunieFeathers acknowledged that the alcohol rendered him incapable of exercising clear judgment and a steady hand in operating the vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI and the Zuni Police Department, and was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall. The sentence handed down to ZunieFeathers serves as a reminder that those who engage in such reckless behavior will face the consequences of their actions.
The investigation and subsequent prosecution of ZunieFeathers demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring that those who engage in violent and reckless behavior are held accountable for their actions. This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
ZunieFeathers’ sentence is a result of his own actions, and serves as a warning to others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior. The sentence also brings closure to the family and loved ones of the victim, who will never be able to see justice served in a more meaningful way.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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