A New Mexico woman and man are behind bars after a young boy died and his two sisters were injured during an alleged drunk driving episode in Bloomfield on Saturday.
Farmington Daily Times reports that Candace Jim (picture right), 40, is accused of driving drunk on Saturday morning at around 11:45 a.m., when she crossed her vehicle into oncoming traffic. She attempted to maneuver back into her own late, but it was too late. Her three children, including 6-year-old twins and a 9-year-old daughter, were thrown from the backseat when the car rolled over. The incident occurred on County Road 7150, close to U.S. Highway 550.
A 6-year-old boy died from his injuries at the scene while his twin sister was airlifted and taken to a hospital. The 9-year-old girl was also hurt, but her injuries were not as severe as her younger siblings. Jim, along with front seat passenger, Aaron Yazzie (pictured left), 45, of Bloomfield, were both injured in the crash. Yazzie is currently listed in fair condition, while Jim remains in critical condition.
Jim is facing a first-degree felony child abuse charge, an open container charge, as well as three first-degree felony charges of “abuse of a child resulting in great bodily harm.” She’s also facing an additional felony charge of “great bodily harm by vehicle.”
New Mexico State Police spokespersonRay Wilson said that when Jim tried to get back into her lane, she ended up flipping her car over. The 9-year-old girl reportedly told authorities that the two adults in the vehicle were arguing, and he accident occurred when Yazzie grabbed the steering wheel to take control of the vehicle. He’s also charged with felony child abuse resulting in death.
According to court documents, the incident marks Jim’s fourth DWI, although authorities were unable to take her blood alcohol level, due to emergency surgery after the incident. Officers reportedly found a partially full Vodka bottle and five empty “shooter” bottles of alcohol in the car.
The story is still developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
[Feature Photo Aaron Yazzie and Candace Jim/New Mexico State Police]
