Omaha, NE — The family of Sarah Root, killed in a drunk-driving crash in January 2016, says they have finally achieved justice.
Root, 21, was struck and killed by Eswin Mejia, who was driving under the influence and fleeing police. Mejia fled to Honduras after being released on a $5,000 bond.
In February, after extensive efforts, Mejia was apprehended and sentenced to 20 to 22 years in prison. “Getting justice for Sarah was our main goal,” said Michelle Root, Sarah's mother.
As part of their efforts, the Roots championed “Sarah's Law,” incorporated into the Laken Riley Act and signed into law in January 2025. The law mandates that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detain certain noncitizens unlawfully present and arrested for fatal or serious injury crimes.
This week in Omaha, the Root family met with agents from Homeland Security Investigations who aided in Mejia's return. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Senator Pete Ricketts also participated in the meeting, acknowledging the ongoing tragedy of similar cases.
Root was an organ donor and remained on life support for four days after the incident, providing time for her family to say goodbye. While her family understands the sentence won't bring Sarah back, they feel this closure allows them to honor her memory and continue her legacy.