Montana woman sentenced to 100 years for carjacking death of tattoo artist

A Montana woman has been sentenced to 100 years in state prison for the "completely innocent" carjacking homicide of a local tattoo artist.

Kelsey Jo Staigmiller, 32, received the century-long sentence on Tuesday, after pleading guilty to deliberate homicide and criminal mischief.

The charges stem from the May 2025 death of 51-year-old Sarah Bailey in downtown Great Falls. Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki described the tragedy as a "wrong place, wrong time" scenario, noting that the victim was simply attempting to return home from work when she was targeted by Staigmiller.

The fatal encounter occurred just after 6:00 p.m. when Staigmiller jumped into the passenger seat of Bailey’s pickup truck.

Surveillance footage from local businesses captured the subsequent struggle, showing Bailey attempting to retreat from the vehicle.

According to investigators, Bailey became "hung up in the seatbelt" while Staigmiller grabbed her by the hair and sped away.

As the truck turned, Bailey was pulled underneath the rear tyre. Police discovered her body shortly after near a central intersection.

Staigmiller, who did not know the victim before the assault, offered no motive for the carjacking during her court proceedings.

The Great Falls community has mourned Bailey as a "bright light" and a charitable professional who possessed a deep love for animals.

Friends and clients described her as an incredible human who was funny and generous to those around her. Staigmiller will not be eligible for parole for at least thirty years under the terms of the sentence.

This high-profile case has prompted local officials to increase police patrols in the downtown business district.