KAYENTA, Ariz. — A man has been arrested following a deadly crash that killed a 3-year-old child and injured three others just before a Christmas parade in Kayenta on the Navajo Nation, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred the evening of December 22, 2025, as families gathered along the parade route for the Kayenta Christmas Night Parade. According to the Navajo Nation Police Department, a vehicle entered the secured parade route and struck multiple bystanders who were waiting for the event to begin.
The child who was killed has been identified as 3-year-old Karson. Three additional relatives of Karson were injured and transported for medical treatment.
Police arrested Stanley Begay Jr., 67, of Kayenta. According to the Navajo Nation Office of the Prosecutor, Begay has been charged with homicide by vehicle under Title 14, Section 703 of the Navajo Nation Code. The criminal complaint alleges Begay drove into a crowd of pedestrians, resulting in Karson’s death and additional injuries.
Under current Navajo Nation tribal court sentencing limits, a conviction for homicide by vehicle carries a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Tribal courts are subject to federal sentencing caps under the Indian Civil Rights Act, which limit incarceration terms unless enhanced sentencing authority has been adopted.
Emergency responders were already staged in the area due to the planned parade and were able to provide immediate aid. Despite life-saving efforts, Karson died from his injuries at the scene.
Navajo Nation officials called the loss of a young child devastating and urged the public to remain vigilant against impaired driving, particularly during holiday events.
The investigation remains ongoing with assistance from tribal and federal agencies. Begay is scheduled to be arraigned in the Kayenta Judicial District Court on January 13, 2026.
Community members across the Navajo Nation have begun organizing vigils and fundraisers to support Karson’s family as Kayenta mourns the loss of one of its youngest members.
Nihíjiʼígíí nisin dóó nihíjiʼígíí baa hózhǫ́ǫ́jígo naashá.
