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Stanley Begay Jr. Charged in Deadly Kayenta Parade Crash That Killed 3-Year-Old

Tribal prosecutors say the vehicular homicide charge carries a one-year maximum sentence under Navajo law.

Overview

  • Prosecutors identified Begay, 67, as the driver accused of driving into the Kayenta Christmas Night Parade route on Dec. 22 at about 5:10 p.m.
  • The crash killed a 3-year-old boy, Karson, and injured three others, including a pregnant woman, according to officials.
  • Begay was arrested, remains in tribal custody, and is scheduled for arraignment on Jan. 13, 2026, as prosecutors seek to hold him without release.
  • The Navajo Nation Police Department is leading the active investigation with support from the FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation.
  • Authorities say the driver was suspected of intoxication and report damage to multiple vehicles and nearby property.