CIBOLA COUNTY, NM – Mariah Chapo, a 26-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter after a crash caused by her resulted in the death of her eight-month-old son. Chapo was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. The announcement was made June 29 by Alexander M.M. Uballez, the United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico.
According to court records, the incident took place on the night of February 11, 2022, when Chapo was driving her vehicle at a high rate of speed while intoxicated. Chapo’s infant son was not properly secured in the backseat.
Chapo attempted and failed a slight turn, causing her vehicle to roll up a dirt embankment. As the vehicle rolled, her son was ejected through an open window. The young child succumbed to his injuries at the scene.
Law enforcement officials discovered Chapo had a blood alcohol content of .12 and .11, above the legal limit. Law enforcement found an empty 375-milliliter bottle of Importers Vodka inside the vehicle. The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office led the investigation into the incident, with assistance from the Navajo Police Department.
An indictment was brought against Chapo on January 25, 2023, and she was arraigned in federal court on February 23, 2023, on a charge of involuntary manslaughter. She was released on conditions and allowed to walk free. On June 29, Chapo chose to plead guilty to the charge. As a result, she will remain in custody pending her sentencing.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Matthew J. McGinley.
Chapo faces a maximum sentence of eight years in prison, her guilty plea will likely factor into the court's final decision.
This incident serves as a reminder about the dangers of driving under the influence. The Navajo Nation and the local community are left grappling with the loss of an innocent life due to a preventable and reckless act.
Sentencing has not yet ben scheduled in this case.