PUEBLO OF LAGUNA – Cody Allen Charlie, 36, was charged in federal court on May 12 for allegedly committing second degree murder on three people in August. The incident occurred on Interstate 40 just outside of the Pueblo of Laguna, Charlie lives in Laguna and is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma.
According to court documents, on August 7, Charlie was driving on Interstate 40 near mile marker 130 when he crashed into another car from behind. The victim car was allegedly pushed off the interstate where it rolled, killing all three occupants. The ages and names of all victims were not released. Court documents claim Charlie fled the crime scene on foot after the crash.
Charlie was charged in federal court on three counts of Second-Degree Murder. The court ruled that Charlie must remain in custody until his trial, which has not been scheduled. A charge is merely an allegation of a crime, Charlie is presumed innocent until otherwise proven in a court of law. If convicted on these charges, Charlie faces 33 years in prison.
The bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant US Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.