OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) — Eswin Mejia, the suspect linked to a 2016 crash that killed 21-year-old Sarah Root, made his first court appearance in nearly a decade on Monday after evading authorities since being released on of jail. Now 28, Mejia faces charges of motor vehicle homicide-DUI and failure to appear in Douglas County. His bond has been set at $100 million.
The incident occurred on January 31, 2016, when Mejia, then an undocumented immigrant, allegedly struck Root’s vehicle near 33rd and L Street in Omaha while street racing under the influence. His blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit. Root, a Council Bluffs resident who had graduated college earlier that day, died at the scene.
Mejia was charged with motor vehicle homicide-DUI on February 4, 2016, and released the next day after posting 10 percent of his $50,000 bond. He signed an agreement to remain within 10 miles of Douglas County, submit to twice-daily alcohol tests, and participate in a 24/7 random drug testing program. However, on February 9, a bench warrant was issued when he missed a drug test. Weeks later, on February 26, he failed to appear at his preliminary hearing, prompting an additional charge of failure to appear.
Mejia, 19 at the time, fled and remained a fugitive until February 27, 2025, when Honduran National Police announced his capture in Honduras via social media. He was extradited to the U.S. on Friday, nearly nine years after disappearing.
Mejia’s release on bond in 2016 and subsequent flight spurred Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) to introduce “Sarah’s Law,” named in honor of Root. The law mandates detention without bail for undocumented immigrants who commit violent crimes against Americans. President Donald Trump signed it into law in January 2025 as part of the Laken Riley Act, over eight years after its initial proposal.
Ironically, Sarah’s Law now applies to Mejia, the very individual accused in Root’s death. In Nebraska, judges can only deny bond for first-degree murder or first-degree sexual assault charges. With his current $100 million bond, Mejia would need $10 million—10 percent—to secure release. Even if he managed to pay, federal authorities would detain him immediately under Sarah’s Law.
In court on Monday, Mejia told the judge he lacks the funds to post bail. His next hearing is set for April 29.
