Fruitland Man, 31, Convicted of Involuntary Manslaughter in Indian Country

Felix Curtis, a 31-year-old resident of Fruitland, was booked into the Doña Ana County Detention Center on Feb. 19, 2026. Registered under booking number 2600001321, he was processed following a transfer from Cibola County on a felony charge categorized as all other offenses. Public records indicate he was held without bond at the time of the transfer. According to federal court records and news reports, Curtis pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in Indian Country. The case stemmed from the death of motorcyclist Brian Brown. Federal prosecutors stated the incident occurred within the boundaries of the Navajo Nation, leading to the federal charges and a subsequent plea agreement that carries a potential sentence of up to eight years. Court and news records indicate Curtis was convicted in this case.