San Juan County man sentenced after fatal crash that killed 5-year-old girl

SALT LAKE CITY — A San Juan County man was sentenced Wednesday to 15 years in prison after admitting to stealing and crashing a truck with a 5-year-old girl inside, killing her.

Qwana McCook, 30 of White Mesa, was sentenced to 180 months in prison, five years of supervised release and ordered by the court to pay $250,000 in restitution. McCook pleaded guilty in March to robbery and first-degree murder while on the White Mesa Indian Reservation.

On May 8, 2022, McCook stole a truck from the victim's mother without her permission on the White Mesa Indian Reservation. Despite the family's pleas to return the child, McCook instead went to buy alcohol. According to the co-defendant and passenger, McCook then began drinking while continuing to drive.

The vehicle then crashed, with the 5-year-old girl ejected from the truck and pronounced dead at the scene.

The co-defendant, Augustice Yellow, pleaded guilty to error of judgment and will be sentenced at a later date.

“This case is a horrifying reminder that carjackings threaten the lives of innocent victims. McCook’s senseless actions are reprehensible and caused the terrible death of a young girl,” said United States Attorney Trina A. Higgins for the District of Utah. “My office will continue to vigorously pursue those who use violence to destroy the safety of our communities. »

“McCook’s extremely selfish decisions that day will forever impact a family grieving the loss of their young daughter,” said Special Agent in Charge Shohini Sinha of the FBI in Salt Lake City. “While nothing will bring the child back to life, we hope the sentence sends a sobering message about the devastating consequences of drunk driving.” »