Press Release
Navajo Woman Pleads Guilty to Federal Involuntary Manslaughter Charge
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico
ALBUQUERQUE – Bryana Agnes Henio, 30, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation who resides in Little Water, N.M., pled guilty today in federal court in Albuquerque, N.M., to an involuntary manslaughter charge under a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s Office
Henio was arrested in Oct. 2017, on a criminal complaint charging her with involuntary manslaughter. According to the complaint, Henio killed a man by hitting him with a vehicle on Sept. 8, 2017, on the Navajo Indian Reservation in McKinley County, N.M. At the time Henio ran over the victim, Henio was driving under the influence of alcohol.
During today’s proceedings, Henio pled guilty to a felony information charging her with involuntary manslaughter and admitted killing the victim by driving recklessly while under the influence of alcohol. Henio acknowledged that the alcohol rendered her incapable of exercising clear judgment and a steady hand in operating the vehicle.
At sentencing, Henio faces a maximum statutory penalty of eight years in federal prison. She remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing which has yet to be scheduled.
This case was investigated by the Navajo Nation Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle is prosecuting the case.
Updated November 20, 2017
Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Component