Family of woman killed in DUI crash in Madera finds closure as driver sentenced to 15 years to life

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- The family of Emmillianne Audler said they finally found the closure they had been seeking after a judge sentenced the driver convicted in the crash that killed the 20-year-old more than three years ago.

An emotional sentencing hearing unfolded in court as family members of Audler, known as "Emi," spoke about the impact of her death and urged the court to deliver justice.

"You took my precious baby," Audler's mother, Mary Ann Audler, told the court.

"I have been sentenced for a lifetime and missing my daughter." Mary Ann Audler said the pain of losing her daughter remains constant.

"I still want to hug my baby one more time, one more time," she said.

Family members, including Audler's uncle, cousin and older sister, took the stand and described the devastation they have experienced since the crash on July 10, 2023.

"She told me that Emi did not make it. She was pronounced dead at the time of the accident. I fell to the floor. I let out a cry that I had never had in my life experienced," said Audler's sister, Julianne Audler.

According to testimony presented in court, Audler was driving to her job at Starbucks when her vehicle was struck head-on by a truck traveling on the wrong side of the road. Authorities said the driver of the truck, Michael Messer, was intoxicated.

During victim impact statements, relatives reflected on the milestones Audler never had the chance to experience.

"She never got another birthday. She never got to hug Betty again. She never got to sing along to another Taylor Swift song," said her aunt, Bertha McHatten.

Messer appeared in court in a wheelchair. Before sentencing, he addressed the family.

"I have to let you know first of all. I'm sorry for your loss. I can't imagine the emotions that you're going through," Messer said.

The proceedings became so emotional that Judge Katherine Rigby briefly left the bench before returning to deliver the sentence.

"You are sentenced to 15 years to life and state prison," Rigby said.

The courtroom fell silent as family members wept after the sentence was announced.

"In over 50 years of practicing law, I have never seen a courtroom so emotional," said Tony Capozzi, ABC30 Legal Analyst.

Rigby cited Messer's two prior DUI convictions and said blood tests came back positive for methamphetamine, fentanyl and ketamine.

"Three warnings, three chances and still, it was not enough to stop him?" McHatten said.

After the hearing, Audler's loved ones gathered wearing matching shirts and holding signs, saying they hope her death will lead to greater awareness and change surrounding impaired driving.

"We need to make a stricter law so parents, moms, sisters, brothers, grandmothers, grandfathers don't have to go through this," Mary Ann Audler said.

The family said it is now focused on advocating against impaired driving and working with groups such as MADD to promote change in the community.

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