ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Lawyer for the District of New Mexico, introduced immediately that Julian Lucas Garcia was sentenced to 5 years in jail. Following a five-day trial, a federal jury convicted Garcia, 33, of El Guique, New Mexico, on Sept. 17, 2021, of 1 depend of assault leading to critical bodily damage, one depend of working an off-highway automobile whereas underneath the affect of intoxicating liquor or medication leading to bodily damage, and one depend of working an off-highway automobile on a paved street leading to bodily damage.

On July 4, 2019, on the Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, Garcia, a non-Indian, was recklessly driving an ATV with out headlights in darkish circumstances by an space crowded with individuals ready to observe a Fourth of July fireworks celebration on the Ohkay Owingeh On line casino. The sufferer, recognized as Jane Doe, an enrolled member of the San Ildefonso Pueblo, was crossing the street when Garcia accelerated and struck her. The collisions threw her into the air and 69 ft down the street. Doe was severely injured and suffered traumatic mind damage, damaged ribs, and a knee damage requiring a pores and skin graft.

Jane Doe was initially transported to Presbyterian Española Hospital, then instantly flown to the College of New Mexico Hospital’s Trauma Middle for emergency therapy. She underwent a number of surgical procedures and months of therapy in intensive care items and rehabilitation facilities. Nonetheless, after battling the accidents she suffered within the crash for over two years, Jane Doe handed away on Nov. 9, 2021.

Witnesses, together with responding legislation enforcement, emergency medical personnel and hospital workers testified that Garcia smelled and appeared intoxicated. Throughout questioning by legislation enforcement, Garcia refused his consent to supply a blood alcohol pattern.

“As we strategy the Fourth of July vacation, immediately’s sentence brings our collective accountability into sharp reduction,” stated U.S. Lawyer Uballez. “Three years in the past, Julian Garcia’s recklessness endlessly took a treasured member of our neighborhood, and in doing so Garcia’s household additionally misplaced of member of theirs to 5 years in federal jail. What started as a celebration resulted in tragedy, multi function second of careless self-indulgence. It is a sobering reminder that we’re every members of a bigger neighborhood and, as such, that now we have a accountability to maintain each other secure.”

“The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Workplace of Justice Providers Northern Pueblos Company and the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Police Division share the sorrow the San Ildefonso Pueblo has skilled on account of this tragedy,” stated Brenda Gonzales, BIA-OJS Particular Agent in Cost. “Whereas nothing may be accomplished to deliver Jane Doe again, the household now has closure to permit them to start therapeutic.”

Upon his launch from jail, Garcia will likely be topic to a few years of supervised launch. Garcia was additionally ordered to pay a $1,000 nice and should pay $7,570 in restitution.

The Northern Pueblos Company of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Workplace of Justice Providers, the Ohkay Owingeh Tribal Police Division, and the New Mexico State Police investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander F. Flores and Kyle T. Nayback prosecuted the case.

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