Crownpoint Couple Face Federal Charges After Child Killed in Alleged Drunk-Driving Crash

ALBUQUERQUE - A Crownpoint couple is facing federal charges after allegedly driving intoxicated with three children, causing a crash that killed one child and injured two others.

According to court records, on February 24, 2026, Urias Koll Pablo, 22, and Jamie Jaye Cook, 21, both enrolled members of the Navajo Nation, drove through Crownpoint, New Mexico, with three children after consuming alcohol throughout the day. The two allegedly purchased liquor, continued drinking while traveling, alternated as drivers, and ultimately crashed a borrowed pickup truck while none of the children were restrained. As a result of the crash, one child died from blunt head trauma, a second suffered critical injuries, and the third was also injured.

Investigators found multiple empty alcohol containers at the scene. At the hospital, Cook's blood alcohol level was 0.20. Pablo's was 0.25. Both defendants were previously arrested in connection with a 2025 DUI-related incident. Cook was charged with child endangerment, while Pablo was charged with DUI and child endangerment.

Pablo and Cook are federally charged with child abuse resulting in death, child abuse resulting in great bodily harm and child abuse. They will remain in custody pending trial, which has not been scheduled. If convicted of the current charges, they face no less than 12 and up to 18 years in prison.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Justin A. Garris, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Albuquerque Field Office, made the announcement today.

The Gallup Resident Agency of the FBI's Albuquerque Field Office investigated this case with assistance from the Navajo Police Department and Department of Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Allysa Gambarella is prosecuting the case.

An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.