RACINE COUNTY, WI – A 38-year-old woman, Kristi Lichtenwalner, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a deadly 2022 drunk driving crash that killed her 37-year-old passenger and sent him flying 30 feet from a red Cadillac SUV, leaving his head split open, exposing brain matter, according to court documents.
The Deadly Crash
The fatal incident occurred after Lichtenwalner allegedly drove the SUV while heavily intoxicated, with a blood alcohol content of 0.245, more than three times the legal limit. Authorities found an opened bottle of Old Smoky Tennessee Whiskey inside a purse near the driver’s seat, linked to Lichtenwalner.
Police reported that upon arrival, the victim was found unresponsive in a grass ditch, approximately 30 feet from the vehicle, with his head split open and brain matter in the gravel. Lichtenwalner and another woman were found sitting nearby, with Lichtenwalner crying and screaming in distress.
Investigation Reveals Lichtenwalner Was the Driver
Initially, Lichtenwalner denied being the driver, claiming that the victim had been driving. She admitted to drinking heavily and not wearing her seatbelt during the crash. However, evidence collected by police—including DNA from a blood stain on the SUV’s airbag, a long strand of hair embedded in the shattered driver-side window, and surveillance footage from local businesses—confirmed that she was indeed behind the wheel.
Additionally, witness statements indicated that Lichtenwalner and the victim switched seats briefly before driving away, but there was insufficient time to switch seats again before the crash, according to the investigation. Her abrasions and facial injuries were consistent with injuries caused by an airbag during the accident.
Legal Proceedings and Guilty Plea
Lichtenwalner pleaded guilty in August 2023 to homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Her sentence of 10 years in prison was handed down on Monday, marking the conclusion of a tragic case that shocked the local community.
The victim, a Kenosha resident, was the owner of the red Cadillac SUV involved in the crash. Law enforcement officials noted the severity of the incident and the extraordinary circumstances, given that the passenger was ejected and suffered catastrophic injuries.
Authorities’ Statement and Public Safety
Police emphasized the dangers of drunk driving, highlighting how the combination of alcohol, speeding, and negligence can lead to life-altering consequences. Investigators also praised the collection of evidence from multiple sources, including DNA, witness testimony, and video surveillance, which helped secure a conviction.
This case also serves as a cautionary reminder about the risks of alcohol consumption while driving and the devastating impact it can have on innocent lives.
Call to Action
Drunk driving remains a leading cause of fatal accidents across the United States. What measures do you think can better prevent tragedies like this? Share your thoughts in the comments below and discuss ways communities can raise awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence.
