A man from McNary, Arizona, has been sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for the death of his significant other. The sentencing took place on February 5, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Sharad H. Desai. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine.
Termane Billy Celaya, age 20, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in connection with the incident. According to court records, Celaya was sitting in his pickup truck and arguing with the victim, who was standing outside the vehicle. During the argument, Celaya backed up and then drove forward in the truck, running over and killing her. Afterward, he fled the scene but was later apprehended by police following a pursuit.
The investigation was conducted by FBI Phoenix, its Pinetop-Lakeside office, and the White Mountain Apache Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Church prosecuted the case.
More details about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona can be found at http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
