A Millington woman is set to serve at least four years in prison for killing a younger woman in an alcohol-fueled crash.
On Wednesday, Jan. 14, Saginaw County Circuit Judge Andre R. Borrello sentenced Katelyn R. Wiggins, 32, to five to twenty years in prison, with credit for 351 days already served in county jail. Borrello also sentenced Wiggins to two lesser terms of 38 months and 10 years and one year, with Wiggins serving all three consecutively.
The judge also ordered Wiggins to pay $316 in fines and costs.
Wiggins pled no contest in December to all three charges against her: operating a motor vehicle while drunk resulting in death with a prior conviction, operating a motor vehicle with a high blood-alcohol level resulting in serious bodily injury, and driving without insurance.
The convictions result from a November 2024 crash in Birch Run Township that killed Alexis M. “Lexie” Rietz, 21, also of Millington.
Sheriff’s deputies determined that Wiggins was driving a Nissan Rogue west on Birch Run Road around 5:15 p.m. on November 16, 2024, when she crossed the centerline and collided with an eastbound Chevrolet Equinox just east of Block Road. Deputies say the Nissan then slammed head-on into Rietz’s eastbound Chevrolet Malibu.
Two of the drivers became trapped inside their automobiles as a result of the collision. Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to get them out.
Wiggins was transported to Covenant HealthCare for treatment of critical injuries. Rietz was brought to Hurley Medical Center in Flint but died from her injuries.
Rietz’s younger twin sisters were passengers on the Malibu. One of them sustained serious injuries that need surgery, while the other sustained cuts, bruises, and lacerations, according to prosecutors in their bond proposal.
Prosecutors say Wiggins revealed to investigators that she did not have insurance on the Nissan. Prosecutors said Wiggins’ blood alcohol concentration was 0.183 after the crash.
In Michigan, a person is deemed legally intoxicated when their blood alcohol level reaches 0.08 and “super drunk” when their BAC reaches 0.17. Prosecutors said Wiggins was convicted of drunk driving in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2020.
According to prosecutors, Wiggins’ urine check at the hospital proved positive for both cocaine and THC.
Wiggins was working as a restaurant server and substitute teacher at the time of the collision, according to her attorney, James F. Piazza.
In August 2024, Wiggins got her permanent substitute teacher permit from the Genesee Intermediate School District for the 2024-2025 school year.
Rietz was an adventurous and caring sibling to her twin sisters, making memories and bringing joy into their lives, according to her obituary. She also shared a strong link with her older brother, which exemplified sibling loyalty.
“Alexis had a deep passion for caring, extending her compassion not only to her loved ones but also to the elderly, ensuring their health and emotional well-being in her professional work,” her obituary continues. “Alexis had a unique ability to make everyone around her feel valued and cared for. She loved animals, adventures, and creating cherished memories with her family. Her warm spirit and unwavering dedication to those she loved will never be forgotten.”
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