Arizona Man Pleads Guilty to Charges Arising from Fatal Drunk Driving Crash

ALBUQUERQUE – An Arizona man pleaded guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious injury following a fatal drunk driving crash.

According to court records, on November 14, 2024, Marvin Wauneka, 40, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, drove under the influence of alcohol, resulting in a single-vehicle, high-speed rollover crash on Navajo Route 54 within the Navajo Nation. The crash caused the deaths of two passengers and seriously injured a third passenger. As the time, Wauneka had a prior DUI conviction. 

At sentencing, Wauneka faces a maximum of 26 years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Wauneka will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison made the announcement today.

The Navajo Nation Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Probasco is prosecuting the case.