Pardoned Jan. 6 Rioter Sentenced in Wrong-Way Crash That Killed Mother of Two
A 39-year-old woman who was pardoned by former President Donald Trump for her involvement in the January 6th riot at the US Capitol was sentenced to six years in prison on Tuesday for her role in a wrong-way crash that killed a mother of two.
Rachelle Barbour, who was pardoned by Trump in December 2021, was convicted of multiple charges related to the crash, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and driving under the influence.
According to police, Barbour was driving southbound on I-5 in Washington state on October 5, 2021, when she crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a car carrying a family of four. The crash killed 50-year-old Michelle Lucas, a mother of two, and seriously injured her husband and children.
Prosecutors argued that Barbour’s reckless driving and refusal to take a breathalyzer test after the crash showed a disregard for human life and a refusal to take responsibility for her actions.
During the sentencing hearing, Barbour apologized for her actions and expressed remorse for the devastating impact they had on the victims and their families. However, the judge cited the severity of the crash and Barbour’s previous criminal record, including the January 6th riot conviction, in determining the length of her sentence.
The pardon Barbour received from Trump in 2021 did not apply to the charges related to the wrong-way crash, as they were filed after her pardon was issued.
