Man charged with murder in connection with deadly Navajo Nation parade crash

PHOENIX — The man who drove onto a Christmas parade route in northern Arizona, hitting four people, including killing a 3-year-old, has been indicted, the FBI said on Tuesday.

Stanley Begay Jr., 67, was taken into federal custody on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Begay was federally charged on Jan. 6 with one count of second-degree murder and two counts of assault resulting in serious bodily injury in connection with the Dec. 22 fatal vehicle crash at the Kayenta Light Parade.

Authorities said the crash happened in the town of Kayenta on the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona, around 5:10 p.m. when Begay was allegedly intoxicated and drove his car onto the route for Kayenta Township’s Christmas Night Parade, along Navajo Route 591 near the Kayenta Rodeo Grounds.

Details about Navajo parade crash

Few details have been released about the people who were hit, but they included the 3-year-old and a pregnant woman, according to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren.

“This event was meant to bring joy, unity and holiday spirit to our community — and is a time for families to come together and celebrate,” Nygren wrote on social media. “No one should have to experience tragedy during a season meant for love and togetherness.”

Several vehicles and properties were also damaged during the incident, according to police.

The incident is being investigated by Navajo police, the FBI and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation.

The FBI’s Phoenix Field Office is asking anyone who may have video, photos or other media of the deadly crash to share them using this link.

KTAR News’ Jeff Vinton contributed to this report. 

Related

Allegedly intoxicated driver hits 4 people, kills at least 1 at northern Arizona Christmas parade‘We know it’s gonna be close,’ Gov. Katie Hobbs says as likely Andy Biggs matchup loomsLive updates for Arizona’s 2026 primaries: Supervisor explains technical issueTechnical issues disrupt a small number of Maricopa County voters on Election DayElection changes could lead to quicker results in Maricopa County, Adrian Fontes says3 defendants sentenced to years in prison in Arizona meth trafficking case