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Press Release

Shiprock Woman Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter and Assault

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, announced today that Courtney Frank made an initial appearance in federal court on an indictment charging her with involuntary manslaughter and assault resulting in serious bodily injury. Frank, 19, of Shiprock, and an enrolled member of Navajo Nation, will remain in custody pending a preliminary and detention hearing scheduled for April 27.

According to the indictment, on Sept. 28, 2022, Frank operated a motor vehicle without due caution and circumspection and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life when she knew and should have known that her conduct imperiled the lives of others. Frank, who was driving drunk, crashed her car head-on into a car driven by a mother and son, killing the mother and injuring the son.

A complaint is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Frank faces up to 10 years in prison.

The Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Nation Police Department and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Zachary C. Jones is prosecuting the case.

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23-88

Updated April 25, 2023

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice
Press Release Number: 23-88