A 53-year-old Farmington woman has been charged with homicide by vehicle while under the influence after a crash that resulted in a passenger’s death, according to a criminal complaint filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court. The incident occurred Feb. 1, 2026, with charges filed March 20, 2026.
The San Juan County Sheriff’s Office investigated the crash, according to the affidavit for arrest warrant.
Crash Scene and Initial Response
According to the affidavit, deputies responded to a traffic crash near the intersection of County Road 5190 and County Road 5500. A yellow Jeep Wrangler was found after reportedly rolling down a hill and coming to rest upright.
Two female occupants were inside the vehicle. One passenger had severe injuries, including a visible wrist injury, according to the report. Both individuals were transported for medical treatment.
Witness Statements and Vehicle Movement
Witnesses told deputies the Jeep had been traveling backward down a hill before leaving the roadway, according to the affidavit. Tire tracks observed at the scene appeared to show the vehicle attempted to ascend the hill but reversed and rolled downhill.
Witnesses reported the vehicle briefly became airborne before landing and continuing down the hill, according to the report.
Alcohol Evidence and Statements
Investigators reported finding an opened can of Twisted Tea and a bottle of vodka inside the vehicle, according to the affidavit. The bottle was described as partially consumed with a broken seal.
After being transported to the hospital, Graciela Vasquez told deputies she had been drinking that day and had consumed alcohol prior to the crash, according to the affidavit. A blood draw was later conducted under a search warrant.
Blood Alcohol Results and Fatal Outcome
According to the affidavit, laboratory results showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.14 grams per 100 milliliters. The passenger, identified as Raelena Neal, died Feb. 6, 2026, at a hospital in Albuquerque, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit states investigators determined there was probable cause to charge the defendant based on the totality of the circumstances.
Additional Violations Noted
Deputies reported the defendant did not have a valid driver’s license and could not provide proof of insurance at the time of the investigation, according to court records. An open container was also documented inside the vehicle.
- Homicide by vehicle (DWI), second-degree felony
- Open container in a motor vehicle
- No driver’s license
- No proof of insurance
- Possession or consumption of alcohol in public
- Warrant failure to appear
- Warrant failure to comply
Case Status
Records indicate filings in both magistrate and district court. The defendant was booked into the San Juan County Adult Detention Center, according to records.
Source
Affidavit for arrest warrant and booking records filed in San Juan County Magistrate Court.
Graciela Vasquez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are allegations. No determination of guilt has been made.