FARGO, USA – In a heartfelt and emotional courtroom moment, 25-year-old Princess Leiyipei Gweh, a Liberian woman based inAmerica, was sentenced to nine years in prison after pleading guilty to driving her car into a crowd outside the now-closed Cairo Restaurant and Bar in Fargo, North Dakota. The February 2024 incident left three people injured, one with life-threatening injuries, and marked a night of regret and consequences for Gweh.
During her sentencing, Gweh stood before the court, visibly emotional, as she apologized to the victims and her family. “I chose to drink liquor, and I chose to drive my car,” she admitted tearfully. “I chose to make bad decisions.” Her remorse was palpable, and her words resonated in the courtroom, where her family members also wept.
What Happened That Night
The incident unfolded in the early hours of February 18. According to court records, Gweh had been involved in a verbal argument and a physical altercation outside the nightclub before getting into her vehicle. In a moment of poor judgment, she drove toward a crowd in the parking lot, hitting three people and forcing others to flee to avoid being struck.
While all three victims survived, the impact of the incident has been profound. Two of the victims attended the sentencing but chose not to address the court.
The Legal Outcome
Gweh pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated assault and one count of reckless endangerment as part of a plea agreement. This deal reduced a more serious attempted murder charge and dismissed several other charges. Her attorney, Jeff Bredahl, described the agreement as “truly reasonable and just,” emphasizing that it balanced accountability with Gweh’s potential for rehabilitation.
Judge Connie Cleveland, who presided over the case, acknowledged Gweh’s apology but underscored the gravity of her actions. “The sentence is long, but the impact on the victims and the community is lifelong,” Cleveland said.
A Chance for Redemption
Despite the severity of the sentence, there is hope for Gweh’s future. Prosecutor Brianna Kraft noted that Gweh has no prior criminal history and is unlikely to reoffend. Her attorney highlighted that the reduced charges would give her a better opportunity to rebuild her life once she is released.
Gweh’s case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and moments of poor judgment. While the victims and their families continue to heal, Gweh will have nearly a decade to reflect on her actions and work toward a better future for herself and her young children.
This tragic event underscores the importance of making responsible choices, particularly when it comes to drinking and driving—a decision that can alter lives in an instant.
