CROWNPOINT, N.M. – Ryntana Yazzie, a 34year-old member of the Navajo Nation from Crownpoint, has entered a guilty plea for involuntary manslaughter in connection with a fatal collision that occurred on August 4, 2020. The announcement was made by Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office.
According to court documents, Yazzie was driving south on Highway 371 near Farmington under the influence of alcohol when her vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a truck driven by John Doe, who was traveling northbound. Tragically, John Doe lost his life as a result of the collision.
Yazzie, who has been placed on conditions of release, awaits sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. When sentenced, she could potentially face up to 8 years in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, with assistance from the Navajo Nation Department of Investigation and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant United States Attorney Nicholas J. Marshall is leading the prosecution.