Key West Woman Sentenced to 12 Years for DUI Manslaughter

Olivia Karol Binek‑Thibodeaux, 37, was sentenced Feb. 10 by Monroe County Judge Mark Wilson to 12 years in prison after a jury convicted her of DUI manslaughter in the March 4, 2022 crash on U.S. 1 that killed 21-year-old cyclist Michael Diezel III. The crash occurred near Mile Marker 5 in Key West and involved a white 2014 BMW X3.

The State Attorney’s Office said, "According to eyewitness accounts, at approximately 12:35 p.m. on March 4, 2022, Thibodeaux was operating a white 2014 BMW X3 southbound on U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 5. At the same time, Michael Diezel III was traveling northbound on a bicycle on the paved sidewalk along the southbound shoulder while riding with his father. Eyewitnesses observed the BMW repeatedly swerve from its lane of travel before entering the shoulder and striking the bicyclist."

A social media post by the Facebook page White Crime Matters said Binek‑Thibodeaux was driving under the influence of methamphetamine when her BMW swerved onto the sidewalk and struck Diezel as he rode with his father; that post also said the jury returned the guilty verdict after a four-day trial in December. Court reporting shows the jury convicted her of DUI manslaughter, while accounts of the separate vehicular manslaughter count vary: jurors were reported to have found her guilty at the December trial, but the State Attorney’s Office said a state appeals court later tossed the vehicular manslaughter charge on the ground that her actions did not meet Florida’s higher standard for recklessness.

Judge Wilson also ordered a package of post-prison conditions that included three years of probation and a lifetime suspension of Binek‑Thibodeaux’s Florida driver’s license; a social media summary of the sentence listed 50 hours of community service, twice-weekly drug testing and mandatory NA/AA meetings as additional terms. The Facebook post said she has been released on $50,000 bond pending appeal.

Chief Assistant State Attorney Joseph Mansfield issued a formal statement after the sentencing, saying, "This case represents the kind of irreversible loss that impaired driving leaves behind. A young man set out on a bicycle ride with his father and never made it home. The jury carefully weighed the evidence and reached a just verdict, and the Court’s sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s actions. Our thoughts remain with the Diezel family, who have shown strength and grace throughout every stage of these proceedings. We hope this outcome provides them with a measure of accountability as they continue to navigate an unimaginable loss."

The case record now reflects a 12-year prison term imposed Feb. 10 by Judge Mark Wilson, post-conviction filings tied to an appeal and the appeals court action affecting the vehicular manslaughter charge. Court dockets at the Monroe County Clerk of Court will show any upcoming appellate dates or further filings related to the appeal and the sentencing orders.