U.S. Attorney's Office Announces Guilty Plea in Fatal Drunk Driving Case

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man pleaded guilty in federal court to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault in connection with a drunk driving crash on the Navajo Nation reservation that resulted in multiple fatalities and serious injuries.

According to court documents, on December 1, 2023, Brian Gonnie, 44, of the Navajo Nation, was driving under the influence of alcohol on Highway 64 in Shiprock, New Mexico. Gonnie was traveling at approximately 86 mph in a 35-mph zone when he crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another vehicle head-on. The collision resulted in the deaths of Gonnie's passenger and the driver of the other vehicle. A passenger in the struck vehicle sustained serious injuries, including broken ribs, a broken pelvis, and a leg fracture that required surgery.

Gonnie’s blood alcohol concentration was .267% and his vehicle was littered with empty alcohol containers. When interviewed by FBI agents, Gonnie admitted to drinking and driving that night.

Gonnie will remain on conditions of release pending sentencing, which has not yet been scheduled. At sentencing, Gonnie faces up to ten years in prison. Upon his release from prison, Gonnie will be subject to up to three years of supervised release.

U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Uballez and Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

This case was investigated by the Farmington Resident Agency of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations and the New Mexico State Police.  Assistant United States Attorney Jesse Pecoraro is prosecuting the case.

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