Gallup Man Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

ALBUQUERQUE – A Gallup man has been indicted on federal charges for allegedly killing another person while driving recklessly.

According to court documents, on August 11, 2024, Justin Othermedicine, 22, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, killed John Doe while operating a motor vehicle with reckless disregard for life.

Othermedicine is charged with involuntary manslaughter and will remain on conditions of release pending trial, which has not yet been scheduled. If convicted, Othermedicine faces up to eight years in prison.

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

The Navajo Nation Police Department and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations investigated this case with assistance from the Gallup Resident Agency of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Albuquerque Field Office and New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael R. Pahl is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.