A Bucyrus man has been sentenced for his role in a three-vehicle accident in September 2015 that resulted in a woman’s death and the loss of a man’s leg.
Texas County prosecuting attorney Parke Stevens Junior said Sean Rief, 28, was sentenced by Circuit Judge John Beger to 16 years in the Missouri Department of Corrections during a procedure Feb. 15 in Pulaski County.
Rief pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter, second-degree assault and driving while intoxicated for his actions in the crash, which took place on U.S. 63 near Simmons. After the incident, authorities said Rief was driving a vehicle that crossed the centerline and sideswiped a motorcycle operated by David Mathis of Cabool, who subsequently lost a limb. Rief’s vehicle then struck a car operated by Amber M. Brignole, 30, of Licking, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted an investigation, and a probable cause statement was submitted to Stevens.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense,” Stevens said. “Mr. Rief’s actions have left a family without a mother, a family without a daughter and a man without a leg. Sixteen years is an appropriate sentence under the authorized ranges of punishment. This individual will be serving consecutive prison time for the actions that took a young lady’s life and the leg of another man.
“I want to express sorrow for the family and friends of Amber Brignole and hopes their grieving is lessened now that Amber’s killer has been punished. Further, I want to thank all the law enforcement officers and departments who worked this unfortunate case, Judge John Beger for overseeing the case, and defense counsel for Mr. Rief. The actions of all these individuals enable the criminal justice system to seek justice.”