Nebraska Man Sentenced After Deadly Drunk-Driving Crash That Killed Sioux City Woman
DAKOTA CITY, Nebraska — A 27-year-old South Sioux City man has been sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for a 2024 drunk-driving crash that killed a 64-year-old Sioux City woman and injured two others.
Drunk-Driving Crash Claimed Life of Debora James
On May 4, 2024, police say Bradley Gatzemeyer was driving a Chevrolet Silverado when he crashed into multiple vehicles at the intersection of College Way and Highway 77 in South Sioux City.
According to the South Sioux City Police Department, the three-vehicle collision occurred around 6:30 p.m. When first responders arrived, they transported two adults and one child to the hospital. One of the victims, Debora L. James, 64, later died from her injuries at about 7:20 p.m.
James, a Volkswagen Passat driver, was turning onto the highway when Gatzemeyer’s truck struck her vehicle, setting off a chain reaction that led to the fatal crash.
Alcohol a Major Factor
Police said Gatzemeyer appeared intoxicated at the scene and admitted he was worried about his 4-year-old son, who was in the back seat at the time of the crash. Officers reported finding empty alcohol bottles in the vehicle and smelling alcohol on Gatzemeyer’s breath.
A breath test revealed a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .217, nearly three times the legal limit. A follow-up blood test showed a BAC of .155.
Gatzemeyer was arrested two months later, in July 2024, after investigators completed their reconstruction and toxicology reports.
Court Proceedings and Sentence
Gatzemeyer pleaded no contest in Dakota County District Court to motor vehicle homicide and driving under the influence with a passenger under 16.
He was sentenced to 5 to 10 years for the homicide charge and 9 to 10 months for the DUI charge. Both sentences will be served concurrently, and he received 459 days of credit for time already served in jail.
A third DUI-related charge was dropped under the plea agreement.
Remembering the Victim
According to her obituary, Debora James was a lifelong Sioux City resident remembered for her kindness and generosity. Friends described her as “a caring soul who always put others first.”
Community members have since called for tougher DUI penalties in Nebraska, citing James’s death as another reminder of the devastating consequences of impaired driving.
For more updates on Nebraska crime, sentencing, and court news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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