Great Falls woman sentenced to life in prison for 2025 incident that killed local business owner

GREAT FALLS, Mont. - 32-year-old Kelsey Staigmiller was sentenced to 100 years in prison and ordered to pay more than $40,000 in restitution for a 2025 incident in downtown Great Falls that led to the death of a local business owner. Staigmiller pleaded guilty to deliberate homicide and criminal mischief in January.

In May of 2025, Staigmiller was locked out of the Roberts Apartments, where she did not live, for reportedly causing issues for residents.

Lt. Matt Fleming from the Great Falls Police Department said at the time, "[Staigmiller] didn't live there. At some point during the incident, [she] ended up entering the vehicle, an occupied vehicle being driven by a local business owner."

Staigmiller pushed 50-year-old Sarah Bailey out of the truck and drove off erratically as Bailey was dragged down the street. Bailey's body was found near First Street North and First Avenue North, and life-saving measures were unsuccessful.

Staigmiller was also charged with criminal endangerment, robbery, theft and burglary, charges that were dropped when she signed a plea agreement.

Montana's Eighth Judicial District Court sentenced Staigmiller for 100 years in the Montana State Women's Prison, with 20 years suspended. She was sentenced to 339 days for the criminal mischief charge, but was credited for 339 days already served, bringing her effective total time in prison to 80 years.

Staigmiller was ordered to pay $40,992.24 in restitution.