Nebraska mom sentenced for crash that killed 4, including her children
Omaha, NE – A Nebraska mother has been sentenced to a staggering 140 to 180 years in prison for a horrific drunk driving crash that claimed the lives of four people, including her own three young children. Rachel Bickerstaff, 34, learned her fate in a Douglas County courtroom on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, nearly nine months after the devastating collision in downtown Omaha.
The tragic incident occurred on September 27, 2024, when Bickerstaff, with her three children and their father as passengers, slammed her vehicle into a car driven by 70-year-old Michael Sales. Investigators revealed that Bickerstaff was driving at an excessive speed, reaching up to 139 miles per hour in the moments before the crash. Her blood alcohol concentration was later determined to be 0.216, nearly three times the legal limit.
The impact of the collision was catastrophic. Mr. Sales was killed instantly. Bickerstaff’s vehicle was engulfed in flames, resulting in the deaths of her 11-day-old infant and 5-year-old child at the scene. Her 18-month-old toddler succumbed to severe burn injuries a few days later at a specialized burn unit. The father of the children, who was a passenger in Bickerstaff’s car, survived the crash.
During the emotional sentencing hearing, the court heard about Bickerstaff’s history of driving under the influence, which included a prior DUI conviction. The judge, in handing down the lengthy sentence, noted Bickerstaff’s remorse but also highlighted the high probability of her re-offending.
Family members of the victims delivered powerful impact statements. A relative of Mr. Sales spoke of the profound loss and the senselessness of his death at the hands of an intoxicated driver.
Bickerstaff was convicted on four counts of motor vehicle homicide. Under the terms of her sentence, she will not be eligible for parole for 70 years, effectively a life sentence. Her driver’s license has also been revoked for 15 years.
