Man pleads not guilty in parade crash that killed 3-year-old, then taken into federal custody

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A 67-year-old man pleaded not guilty Tuesday in tribal court to vehicular homicide, hours before federal agents took him into custody on separate charges stemming from a December crash that killed a 3-year-old boy and injured others at a Christmas parade.

Stanley Begay Jr. appeared Jan. 13, 2026, in Kayenta District Court and entered his plea to a Navajo Nation charge of homicide by vehicle. The charge relates to the Dec. 22 incident during the Kayenta Township Christmas Parade of Lights, when a vehicle drove into a crowd of pedestrians.

FBI special agents from the bureau’s Flagstaff office arrested Begay at the Kayenta District Department of Corrections Jan. 13, according to Kevin W. Smith, the public affairs officer for the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office. A federal indictment was filed Jan. 6 in U.S. District Court.

The Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor confirmed that Begay was released from tribal custody following his arraignment by agreement of the parties and was immediately taken into federal custody based on the pending federal case.

Two family members of the deceased victim spoke at Tuesday’s hearing under provisions of the Navajo Nation Victims’ Rights Act, which allows victims to be present and heard at court proceedings including those involving release and plea agreements. The prosecutor’s office helped the family exercise those rights on the victim’s behalf.

Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson Sr. said the arraignment marked an important milestone in the tribal court process.

“Our focus remains on community safety, accountability, and supporting the victims and families impacted by this tragedy,” Jackson said.

The prosecutor’s office noted that parallel proceedings in both tribal and federal courts are typical when serious matters involve overlapping jurisdiction. The Navajo Nation may proceed through tribal court while federal authorities independently evaluate and pursue federal charges.

Dual court systems handle case

The office has been working to identify, notify and support all individuals and families affected by the crash, which involved multiple victims.

The Kayenta Navajo Police Department and the Kayenta Department of Criminal Investigations handled the initial response, working alongside state and federal law enforcement partners as the investigation developed and charging decisions were made.

The prosecutor’s office addressed public questions about potential sentencing limitations in tribal court. Under current law, tribal court sentencing for homicide by vehicle may be limited to one year of incarceration and a $5,000 fine. Those restrictions stem from federal law and the fact that the Navajo Nation has not adopted enhanced sentencing authority available under the Tribal Law and Order Act.

The act allows tribes to increase available penalties in qualifying cases, including vehicular homicide, if they meet federal requirements. The Navajo Nation has not enacted those provisions.

The case involves both tribal and federal charges arising from the same event. The Navajo Nation prosecutor’s office stated it will continue coordinating with partner agencies to support an orderly process that upholds public safety and protects the rights of all parties.

The criminal complaint filed in Navajo Nation court represents a formal accusation. Begay is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

FBI seeks public’s help

The FBI is seeking help from the public in gathering evidence related to the crash. The bureau’s Phoenix Field Office has set up a digital media tips portal for anyone who has video, photos or other documentation of the incident. The form can be found at https://tips.fbi.gov/digitalmedia/afd0bc7ddab9b9a.

Federal authorities may contact potential witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge about the crash. The prosecutor’s office encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Details about federal custody arrangements, transport and scheduling fall under the purview of federal authorities.

The vehicle struck multiple people as they watched or participated in the annual event. The prosecutor’s office has been managing victim notification and support services as the case proceeds through both court systems. The office worked with families to ensure they understood their rights and could participate meaningfully in court proceedings.

Tuesday’s arraignment took place at 1:30 p.m. in Kayenta District Court. The case will continue in tribal court even as federal proceedings move forward separately.

The Navajo Nation charge of homicide by vehicle is defined under Section 703 of Title 14 of the Navajo Nation Code.

Anyone with information about the crash can contact federal authorities or submit material through the FBI’s online portal established specifically for this incident.

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