ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Alexander M.M. Uballez, United States Attorney for the District of New Mexico, announced today that Cody Allen Charlie was charged with three counts of murder in the second degree. Charlie, 36, of Laguna, and an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Acoma, appeared in federal court today for a detention hearing and will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled.
According to an indictment, on Aug. 7, 2022, Charlie was allegedly driving on I-40 near mile marker 130 when he hit another car from behind, pushing it off the interstate, onto the shoulder, and causing it to roll over. All three occupants of the car were killed in the accident. After the crash, Charlie allegedly fled the scene on foot. The crash occurred within the exterior boundaries of the Laguna Indian Reservation.
An indictment is only an allegation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. If convicted, Charlie faces up to 33 years in prison.
The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated this case with assistance from the Laguna Police Department and New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Brittany DuChaussee is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys