A Nebraska mom who drove drunk at terrifying speeds and caused a crash that killed four people—including her three young children—will likely spend the rest of her life in prison.
Rachel Bickerstaff, 34, was sentenced this week to up to 180 years behind bars for the fiery crash in downtown Omaha that devastated two families and left even seasoned first responders shaken. She won’t be eligible for parole until she’s served 70 years.
“The severity of this crash cannot be overestimated,” said Douglas County District Court Judge Molly Keane, who handed down the sentence.
The crash happened on September 27, 2024, near 10th and Douglas Streets. Prosecutors say Bickerstaff was driving more than five times the speed limit—hitting a top speed of 142 mph—and ran a red light at over 100 mph when she slammed into 70-year-old Michael Sales, who was heading home from work.
Inside Bickerstaff’s car were her children: a 5-year-old, an 18-month-old, and an 11-day-old newborn. All three were killed in the explosion.
Her blood alcohol level was .216—nearly triple the legal limit—and she had a prior DUI conviction. She pleaded no contest in March to four counts of motor vehicle homicide as part of a deal that dropped an additional charge of DUI causing serious injury. That charge had referenced an unidentified injured party.
To make matters worse, authorities say she assaulted a cellmate while in jail this May, leading to an additional charge.
At the sentencing, a prosecutor described how first responders—some with years of experience—have been left with lasting trauma from the crash site. “It’s a barometer to tell this court just how bad this is,” they said.
Michael Sales’ daughter, Laura, delivered a gut-wrenching statement. “I dropped to the floor of my living room screaming,” she said of the moment she was told her father had died. “We never got to say goodbye. The crash was so violent, we weren’t even given the chance to see his body. Instead, we were given his ashes.”
Through sobs, she pleaded with the court for a sentence that would ensure no other family endures what hers has. “I speak because his voice was stolen. I beg this court to deliver a sentence that reflects the weight of what was taken from us.”
In her own statement, Bickerstaff expressed regret. “I wish I could take it back. I would trade my life for all the life lost,” she said.
Her attorney claimed Bickerstaff endured a traumatic childhood, began using meth and alcohol at 12, and had long battled addiction. The judge said she believed Bickerstaff’s remorse was real—but also believed the likelihood of her reoffending was high.
“It is difficult to imagine a case with worse facts,” Keane said.
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Author: thedailycrime1
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