Arizona Mom Sentenced to 4 Years for Drunk Driving Crash That Killed Son

Marian M. Josytewa was convicted of child abuse and other offenses after a deadly 2021 crash on the Navajo Nation.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A 40-year-old Arizona woman has been sentenced to 51 months in prison for causing a deadly drunk driving crash that killed her 14-year-old son in 2021. Marian M. Josytewa's blood alcohol content was 0.113 when she rolled her car on a highway on the Navajo Nation, ejecting and crushing her unbuckled son.

Why it matters

Drunk driving crashes continue to be a major public safety issue, especially on tribal lands where resources for enforcement and victim support can be limited. This case highlights the devastating consequences when parents make the irresponsible choice to drive under the influence with their children in the car.

The details

Josytewa consumed several beers before driving to pick up her two sons from school in Flagstaff. While driving on a highway on the Navajo Nation, she rolled her car, and her 14-year-old son, who was unbuckled, was ejected and crushed to death by the rolling vehicle. Josytewa's blood alcohol content was found to be 0.113.

  • The deadly crash occurred on December 10, 2021.
  • Josytewa was recently sentenced to 51 months in prison.

The players

Marian M. Josytewa

A 40-year-old Arizona woman convicted of child abuse and other offenses for a deadly drunk driving crash that killed her 14-year-old son.

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What’s next

After completing her prison sentence, Josytewa will be placed on supervised release for 36 months.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for stronger drunk driving prevention measures, particularly in vulnerable communities, and highlights the devastating impact that irresponsible parental choices can have on innocent lives.