A Nebraska woman, Rachel Bickerstaff, has been sentenced to 180 years in prison after driving drunk and causing a crash that killed four people, including her three young children. Despite showing remorse during her hearing, Bickerstaff’s actions have left a lasting impact on the victims’ families and the community, and she will likely spend the rest of her life behind bars.
The Tragic Crash and Its Aftermath
On September 27, 2024, Rachel Bickerstaff was involved in a devastating crash in Omaha. Authorities said Bickerstaff had been driving at speeds up to 142 mph—over five times the speed limit—when she ran a red light and collided with another vehicle. The crash killed 70-year-old Michael Sales, who was on his way home from work. Tragically, Bickerstaff’s three children, aged 5 years, 18 months, and 11 days old, also lost their lives in the crash.
Bickerstaff’s blood alcohol level at the time of the crash was .216, nearly three times the legal limit. This was not her first offense, as she had a prior DUI conviction. Following the crash, she faced multiple charges, including four counts of motor vehicle homicide. In a plea agreement, a fifth charge of DUI causing serious bodily injury was dropped.
The Courtroom Hearing and Sentencing
At her sentencing, Douglas County District Court Judge Molly Keane expressed the severity of the crash, stating that the trauma it caused could not be overstated. Bickerstaff’s actions were described as causing lasting emotional damage not only to the victims’ families but also to the first responders who witnessed the aftermath. According to the prosecutor, the scene of the crash was so horrific that it had left deep emotional scars on the officers and firefighters who were on the scene.
During the hearing, Michael Sales’ daughter, Laura Sales, gave an emotional statement. She described the unbearable moment when she received the news of her father’s death, saying it felt as though her soul had left her body. She expressed the pain of not being able to say goodbye to her father and the haunting images of the crash. In her plea to the court, she asked for a sentence that would prevent another family from experiencing such devastating loss.
Bickerstaff’s Remorse and the Defense’s Argument
Bickerstaff, who showed clear remorse in court, stated that she regretted the pain she had caused and wished she could take it all back. She expressed that she would trade her own life to bring back the lives lost in the crash. However, her defense attorney highlighted the difficulties in Bickerstaff’s life, including abuse during her childhood, and the fact that she started drinking alcohol and using meth at the age of 12.
Despite acknowledging Bickerstaff’s remorse, Judge Keane stated that her past history and the chance of her reoffending were concerning factors. This ultimately led to her being sentenced to a maximum of 180 years in prison, with the possibility of parole after 70 years.
Rachel Bickerstaff’s tragic decision to drive under the influence has forever altered the lives of the victims’ families. Her remorse was clear in court, but the extent of the pain and loss caused by her actions is undeniable. With her lengthy prison sentence, the court has made it clear that the severity of her crime cannot be overlooked.
