WOMAN FROM NAVAJO NATION SENTENCED TO 30 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER IN INDIAN COUNTRY

ALBUQUERQUE – Jennifer Nelson, 30, of Vanderwagen, N.M., was sentenced in federal court today to 30 months in prison for involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country. 

Nelson previously pleaded guilty to this offense on February 8, 2019.  According to Nelson’s plea agreement, on October 16, 2016, she drove an automobile while drunk within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation.  Wilson attempted to pass another car while speeding, but struck the other car and caused it to flip over.  The driver of the other car was ejected from his own vehicle and crushed to death.  Nelson is an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation. 

            The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department, McKinley County Sheriff’s Department, and New Mexico State Police.     Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Spindle prosecuted the case.