Vehicular Homicide Case Delayed by Search for Toxicology Expert
Raquel A. Bredemeier, 30, of Lincoln, appeared in Jefferson County District Court on Thursday, September 1, 2022. David J.A. Bargen was the presiding judge.
The defendant is charged with unintentional motor vehicle homicide, a class 2A felony which carries a possible penalty of 20 years in prison. Bredemeier is also charged with DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs), a class W misdemeanor punishable by 60 days in jail, a $500 fine and a six-month driver’s license revocation.
The charges stem from a three-vehicle accident on Highway 136 last year that left one person dead and two other injured.
January 20, 2021, shortly before 8:00 p.m., Jefferson County emergency crews were dispatched to the scene of a an accident at the intersection of Highway 136 and 571st Avenue. A dispatcher informed responders that there were injuries and one of the vehicles was on fire. Shortly after, the dispatcher said the vehicle was “completely engulfed.”
According to the Sheriff’s Office, an investigation of the scene determined two vehicles traveling westbound on Highway 136, one following the other. A third vehicle, driven by Bredemeier, traveling eastbound, crossed the center line and struck both vehicles.
One of the westbound drivers was identified as Samuel Lindley and pronounced deceased at the scene. Bredemeier and the other driver, Hailey Gehle of Deshler, were transported from the scene by ambulance.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Ambulance District 33 and Jefferson County Fire and Rescue were all summoned to the scene. Plymouth Fire and Rescue, Diller Fire and Rescue were also called out to the scene as mutual aid. Highway 136 was closed for several hours as the scene was cleared and investigated.
The Nebraska State Patrol was called to the scene to conduct an accident reconstruction.
The defendant’s attorney, Carlos Monzon of Lincoln, appeared via webcam. He informed that court that he has received a toxicology report from the University of St. Louis but is having difficulty in finding an expert to interpret the results of the report. According to Monzon, the only qualified individual in this area is the same doctor who performed the autopsy. He therefore requested a continuance.
The judge granted the motion. Another hearing is scheduled for November 3.
