ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – In a tragic case of driving under the influence, Cody Allen Charlie, a 37-year-old member of the Pueblo of Acoma, has pleaded guilty in federal court to second-degree murder charges stemming from a 2022 crash on Laguna Pueblo that resulted in the deaths of three members of the same family.
On August 7, 2022, Charlie, driving a Ford Explorer, collided with a Lexus SUV on Interstate 40 near mile marker 130 while intoxicated. At the time of the crash, he was traveling at 116 miles per hour and using his cell phone. The impact caused the Lexus SUV to veer off the road and roll over, killing all three occupants, identified in court documents as John Doe 1, John Doe 2, and Jane Doe.
Instead of staying to render aid, Charlie fled the scene on foot, a fact he admitted in his plea agreement. This admission, along with his acknowledgment of previous convictions for DWI and multiple speeding offenses, contributed to the charges of second-degree murder under federal law, specifically violations of 18 U.S.C. sections 1153 and 1111.
The plea agreement, submitted under Rule 11(c)(1)(C) of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, outlines a proposed sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison. This agreement takes into account Charlie's acceptance of responsibility for his actions. Upon release from prison, Charlie will face up to five years of supervised release and will be required to pay restitution as ordered by the court. The mandatory special penalty assessment for each count is $100, totaling $300.
During the plea hearing, Charlie admitted to acting with 'malice aforethought,' meaning he exhibited a callous and wanton disregard for human life by driving while intoxicated and engaging in other dangerous behaviors. He acknowledged the severe consequences of his actions and expressed his guilt and responsibility for the deaths of the three victims.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico, Alexander M.M. Uballez, emphasized the gravity of the case in a public statement. 'This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating effects of driving under the influence,' said Uballez. 'Our thoughts are with the victims' families as they cope with this unimaginable loss.'
The Bureau of Indian Affairs, with assistance from the Laguna Police Department and the New Mexico State Police, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany DuChaussee and Zachary C. Jones are prosecuting.
Charlie remains in custody pending sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled. The court will consider various factors, including the presentence report, before determining the final sentence within the agreed range.
This case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judicial authorities to address and reduce the incidents of driving under the influence, particularly within Native American communities. The collaborative efforts between federal and local agencies played a crucial role in bringing Charlie to justice and providing some measure of closure for the victims' families.