Shiprock Man Charged with Involuntary Manslaughter

ALBUQUERQUE – A Shiprock man is facing federal charges for killing two people and seriously injuring a third in a head-on collision while driving under the influence of alcohol. Brian Gonnie, 44, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation., is charged with two counts of involuntary manslaughter and one count of assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

The indictment alleges that on December 1, 2023, Gonnie operated a motor vehicle without due caution and with a wanton and reckless disregard for human life, resulting in the deaths of John Doe 1 and John Doe 2, and assault resulting in serious bodily injury of John Doe 3.

Gonnie appeared in federal court for an arraignment today and will remain on conditions of release pending trial. If convicted, Gonnie faces up to 10 years in prison.

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 is being 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.

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

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