An Indian man whose drunk driving case drew significant attention is being released from prison in New Mexico after serving nearly 11 years of a 22-year sentence.

Gordon House, who is Oneida and Navajo, received credit for good behavior. He has volunteered for drug and alcohol programs in prison, his attorney said.

House was convicted in state court for a Christmas Eve 1992 crash that killed a woman and her three young daughters. His first two trials in a county with a significant Native American population ended in mistrials. His third and final trial, in a county with virtually no Natives, resulted in conviction.

The conditions of his release will be determined by the state parole board.

Get the Story:
Gordon House, Who Galvanized Anti-DWI Forces, Is Getting Out of Prison (The Albuquerque Journal 2/20)

10th Circuit Decision:
House v. Hatch (May 6, 2008)

Related Stories:
10th Circuit rejects Native man's appeal (5/7)