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Christmas Parade in a small arizona desert city It was meant to bring holiday cheer, but it ended in tragedy when a suspicious drunk driver Attacked a group of spectators, resulting in the death of a small child.
The fatal incident occurred Dec. 22 in Kayenta, a Navajo Nation township about 300 miles northeast of Phoenix, according to authorities.
As locals gathered in the city streets to watch the Christmas parade, a “allegedly drunk“The driver plowed into the crowd, injuring four people and killing a three-year-old Navajo child,” local officials said.
The driver was identified as 67-year-old Stanley Begay Jr. arrested and charged With homicide by vehicle. He is being held in custody, and his arraignment is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
Under Navajo law, the maximum punishment for a person convicted of murder by vehicle is one year in prison and a $5,000 fine.
The deceased child was identified by his family as carson apodacawhich he described in a online money saving “A joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.”
“This unimaginable loss has left his family heartbroken and facing challenges that no one should have to face,” the family said.
He said that several other members of the family were injured in the December 22 incident.
“Not only did they lose their precious boy, but Carson’s mother, her fiancé and his grandfather were also injured in the accident and are now on a long road to recovery,” the family said.
The fundraiser says the money will be used to “provide counseling and financial support to their loved ones as they recover emotionally and medically.” As of Friday afternoon, the total is more than $35,000.
Kayenta community mourns loss of life monitored The family said that on Christmas Eve, they sang carols and decorated a tree in Carson’s honor.
Lucas Babykos, an attorney licensed to practice on the Navajo Nation, told KTVK he’s “hearing a lot.” fear and anger About what happened.”
Under state law, a conviction for vehicular manslaughter can result in a sentence of no more than 20 years in prison, while Navajo Nation law carries a much lower maximum sentence.
“I would like to see them adopt the Enhanced Sentencing Act on the Navajo Nation,” Babykos told the outlet.
In a statement, the Navajo Police Department urged people to “stay alert, take care of each other and do not drink and drive.”
A representative for the Navajo Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Independent,