A festive Christmas parade in a tranquil Arizona desert town turned tragic when a suspected drunk driver rammed into onlookers, resulting in the death of a three-year-old boy and casting a shadow over the holiday festivities on the Navajo Nation.

The tragic incident occurred just before the Kayenta Christmas parade was about to commence on the evening of December 22. Families had gathered along the parade route, eager to watch the floats and partake in the seasonal celebrations, as reported by the Navajo Police Department.

According to police reports, a driver, believed to be under the influence, veered onto the parade route and collided with four individuals who were waiting for the festivities to start.

Tragically, a three-year-old Navajo child was among those struck and was killed in the incident.

The driver, identified by authorities as 67-year-old Stanley Begay Jr., was apprehended at the scene and now faces charges of vehicular homicide.

He remains in custody, with an arraignment scheduled for January 13, 2026, officials said.

The child who was killed was later identified by family members as Karson Apodaca, described in a GoFundMe as ‘a joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him.’

‘This unimaginable loss has left his family heartbroken and facing challenges no one should ever have to endure,’ the family wrote.

Three-year-old Karson Apodaca was killed in Kayenta, Arizona when a vehicle plowed into spectators watching a Christmas parade

The driver, 67-year-old Stanley Begay Jr., was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide but may only receive a one-year jail sentence and a $5,000 fine under Navajo law if convicted

According to relatives, Karson was not the only one hurt in the crash.

‘Not only did they lose their precious boy, but Karson’s mom, her fiancé, and his grandpa were also injured in the accident and are now on the long road to recovery,’ the family said.

The fatal incident occurred around 5:10pm, as officers from the Navajo Police Department’s Kayenta District were already patrolling the area to provide safety and security for the community event, police said in a statement.

‘Before the event started, a driver drove into the parade route where bystanders waited for the parade to start,’ the department said. ‘The person was allegedly intoxicated while driving their vehicle.’

Police confirmed that four individuals were struck, and that the crash caused damage to multiple vehicles and property. 

Begay Jr. was arrested and transported to the local Department of Corrections.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with the Navajo Police Department, the FBI, and the Navajo Department of Criminal Investigation all involved.

‘The Navajo Police Department confirmed life was loss during this tragic event as family gathered for this joyous occasion to brighten the holiday season,’ the department said.

Karson’s family described him as ‘a joyful, loving 3-year-old who brought light to everyone around him’

Karson Apodaca, 3, was killed at the Kayenta Christmas parade

The Navajo Nation stretches across parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah and is the US’s largest Native American reservation

The tragedy has rippled across Kayenta, a township on the Navajo Nation about 300 miles northeast of Phoenix.

To honor Karson, community members gathered for a vigil on Christmas Eve, singing carols and decorating a tree in his memory, according to the family.

The case has also renewed scrutiny of sentencing limits under Navajo Nation law.

Under Navajo law, a conviction for vehicular homicide carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and a $5,000 fine – far less than what could be imposed under Arizona state law, where vehicular homicide convictions can result in sentences exceeding 20 years.

‘I’m hearing a lot of fear and anger about what occurred,’ said Lucas Babycos, an attorney licensed to practice on the Navajo Nation, who is not connected to the case.

‘I would like to see them adopt the enhanced sentencing act on the Navajo Nation,’ Babycos told AZFamily.

In 2010, Congress passed the Tribal Law and Order Act, which allows tribes to impose longer sentences if certain legal standards are met. However, the Navajo Nation has not adopted those enhanced sentencing provisions.

‘It’s just not possible with the funding that the Navajo Nation has currently,’ Babycos said, noting that enhanced sentencing would require additional judges, recorded proceedings, and guaranteed defense counsel.

Despite the limitations, Navajo Nation prosecutors emphasized that the case will proceed under tribal law.

The crash injured three others, all members of the child’s family. Above, Karson as a baby

‘Nevertheless, a conviction in Navajo Nation District Court is still a conviction, with real and enforceable consequences under Navajo law,’ Chief Prosecutor Vernon L. Jackson, Sr. said in a statement. ‘Our courts exercise lawful authority, and this matter will proceed consistent with Navajo law and applicable jurisdiction.’

Because the crash resulted in a death, federal authorities may also play a role.

‘For major crimes, like this deadly crash, the FBI does have jurisdiction to investigate cases as well on certain reservations,’ Babycos said. ‘In a situation like this, where someone is deceased, the FBI is usually out there very quickly.’

If federal prosecutors pursue charges, the case could carry far more severe penalties.

In the aftermath of the crash, Navajo police issued a blunt reminder to the public.

‘Please be careful, look out for one another, and don’t drink and drive,’ the department said.