A Florida judge has sentenced Noah Galle, aged 20, to 12 and a half years in prison for causing a 2022 crash that killed six people in Palm Beach County, Florida, local media confirmed Monday.
Galle—who was 17 when he drove his BMW at 151 mph into the back of an SUV—pleaded guilty to six counts of vehicular homicide. According to court records, he had a history of posting speeding videos on TikTok and Instagram.
Why It Matters
The case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and the influence of social media in encouraging risky behaviors in teens.
Prior to the crash, Galle posted videos of himself speeding on social media under the handle "M5.Noah," offering a $25 prize to viewers who could guess his speed. The accounts no longer exist.
What To Know
Authorities said Galle was driving a BMW M5 at 151 mph when he rear-ended a Nissan Rogue SUV on U.S. Route 441 on January 27, 2022.
The crash killed all six occupants of the Rogue, identified as farm workers leaving their shift: Mirlaine Julceus, Filaine Dieu, Vanice Percina, Remize Michel, Marie M. Louis, and Saint L. Michel.
Paramedics pronounced five of the six victims inside the Rogue dead on the scene. A sixth died at a hospital. Galle injured his ankle.
Although investigators noted that Galle smelled of alcohol and slurred his speech at the scene, tests revealed no substances in his system.
Under the plea deal, upon release from prison, Galle will lose his license for three years and be on probation for seven years. He will also have to perform 800 hours of community service, attend a victim impact panel and take a 12-hour driving course
The victims' families did not object to the plea deal, with some requesting no jail time or even that the case be dropped, according to Alan Johnson, the chief assistant state attorney for Florida's 15th Judicial Circuit, Palm Beach County.
What People Are Saying
Johnson said to CBS 12 West Palm Beach: "The victims all have written to us that they do not object to this … No amount of time will bring back the victims for their families."
Noah Galle said in the caption to one of his videos posted on social media, according to investigators: "Whoever can guess the speed correctly wins $25 on cash app."
What Happens Next
Galle remains under house arrest until February 3, when he is scheduled to begin his sentence in a Florida state prison.
English (US) ·