Milwaukee woman sentenced to prison for fatal Mother's Day crash that killed 5

 Milwaukee woman sentenced to prison for fatal Mother's Day crash that killed 5

Only Sandifer and a 17-year-old girl survived the accident. In addition to the baby, those lost in the crash were Sandifer's own relatives

A Milwaukee woman involved in a fatal car crash on Mother's Day that resulted in the death of five people was sentenced to 25 years in prison with an additional 15 years of probation.

Anteyona Sandifer, 21, seen in surveillance footage from the corner of 60th and Fond du Lac, was driving with seven people inside her vehicle when she sped through the intersection, leading to the tragic crash.

Sandifer’s blood-alcohol content was 0.167, more than twice the legal limit, at the time of the crash, according to Assistant District Attorney Sara Sadowski.

Although everyone in the other vehicle survived, the collision led to the death of five people, including a baby and three teenagers. Those killed in the crash were Sandifer’s relatives — her cousins, her brother, and her goddaughter.

Only Sandifer and a 17-year-old girl survived the accident.

Milwaukee woman sentenced to prison for fatal Mother's Day crash that killed 5

WISN

A fatal car crash on Mother’s Day that resulted in the death of five people was sentenced to 25 years in prison with an additional 15 years of probation.

Family of the 1-year-old spoke to the court Monday.

"She was a good baby," said Reba Beckworth, Robinson's grandmother. "But, you know, she got taken away from us by a person and I'm hurt, we all hurting for it."

Sandifer's lawyer argued that this was just a tragic accident. Meanwhile, the state argued that this was a series of choices that Sandifer made that led to the deaths of five people.

"Drinking in excess to a .167 -- over twice the legal limit, getting behind the wheel at that time, taking custody of a child without proper restraints, without a car seat, not making sure the individuals in your car were secured, excessive speed," said Assistant District Attorney Sara Volden Sadowski.

Sandifer pleaded guilty in January to five homicide charges related to the deaths in Milwaukee last May. Prosecutors dropped six other felony charges against her in a plea deal.

"I just want to apologize for my actions," Sandifer said through tears.

Unable to complete her address to the court, her lawyer continued on her behalf, reading a statement in which she acknowledged her responsibility and the loss of her own family members.

"As I sleep I relive that moment, the worst moment of my life, that changed it forever," said defense attorney Scott Anderson, reading Sandifer's statement. "Your honor, I miss them so much. They were my family, my loved ones, and now because of my choice, they are gone."

In court, the state argued Sandifer has not shown much remorse for her actions when being interviewed by investigators, and then later while on the phone with a significant other.

"One of her first jail calls was to someone who we believe was a significant other," said Volden Sadowski. "She was talking about the accident, and that male was crying, sobbing. I remember him saying specifically, even the baby is dead, referring again to Aniya. And Ms. Sandifer, instead of joining in that sentiment, started laughing and then saying, 'What about me? Don't you feel bad for me? I'm going to be stuck in here now for a while.' And that's just one of those things that I can't unhear."

In the end, the judge sentenced Sandifer to 25 years in prison, 5 for each victim, along with 15 years of probation.

"It's not clear to me you've taken full responsibility for the loss of five people," said Judge David Swanson. "And that is a heavy burden to bear. And I understand that. But that's something you're going to have to wrap your head around before you can safely return to this community."