In one of Palm Beach County’s deadliest car crashes, a 20-year-old driver who caused the deaths of six farmworkers in a high-speed collision reached a plea deal on Monday, significantly reducing his potential prison time. Noah Galle, known for posting videos of his reckless driving on social media, was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to the charges against him.
The January 2022 crash occurred when Galle drove his BMW M5 at 150 mph and rear-ended a Nissan Rogue SUV traveling at significantly lower speeds on State Road 7 near Delray Beach. All six passengers in the SUV, farmworkers returning home from work, were killed on impact. The victims included Mirlane Julceus, 45, Michel Louis Saint, 77, Marie Michelle Louis, 60, Remzie Michel, 53, Filaine Dieu, 46, and Vanice Percina, 29.
Galle, the son of prominent Wellington attorney Craig Galle, gained notoriety on TikTok for recording and posting videos of himself speeding down local highways. In some videos, he offered cash prizes to viewers who correctly guessed his speed. Investigators with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office said he reached 151 mph just moments before the crash, which killed the victims instantly.
His arrest report did not indicate whether Galle was recording at the time of the collision. However, the wreck became a grim testament to the dangers of reckless driving.
Prosecutors originally sought a sentence of 55 years—the minimum required for the charges—but a deal negotiated between Chief Assistant State Attorney Al Johnson and Galle’s defense team led to the much shorter 12-year term. The resolution was expedited, as Johnson aimed to finalize the case before the new administration of State Attorney Alexcia Cox took office on Tuesday. Circuit Judge Sherri Collins presided over the sentencing.
In addition to the prison term, Galle’s plea deal includes several conditions aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of reckless driving. He must post a public service video on social media describing the crash and its devastating consequences. The video, at least one minute long, is intended to dissuade others from similar behavior. Galle is also required to complete 800 hours of community service, attend a driving safety course, and participate in a panel where crash victims share the impact of their injuries. His driver’s license has been revoked for three years.
The plea deal sparked varied reactions from the families of the victims. Johnson noted that while one family member expressed devastation, others felt the sentence was fair. Another even suggested that Galle should not have been prosecuted. None of the victims’ relatives attended Monday’s plea conference.
Defense attorneys argued that Galle’s remorse and efforts to support the victims’ families, as well as undiagnosed medical conditions, were mitigating factors in the case. Liz Parker, a former traffic homicide prosecutor and part of Galle’s legal team, read a statement on his behalf in court: “There’s not a day that goes by that Noah doesn’t think about his actions and the impact they’ve had on so many lives. He wishes every day that he had died in the accident and not the victims.”
The case has drawn attention not only for its tragic consequences but also for its implications regarding social media and reckless behavior. Galle’s penchant for posting his speeding exploits online added a layer of recklessness to the tragedy, underscoring the potential dangers of glorifying such behavior.
Prosecutors and investigators emphasized the importance of accountability and the need for public awareness. “This sentence sends a message about the consequences of reckless driving,” said Johnson. “It’s about justice, but it’s also about prevention.”
Galle’s case serves as a somber reminder of the devastating impact reckless driving can have on individuals, families, and communities. As he begins his prison sentence, the conditions of his plea deal—particularly the social media video—will aim to turn this tragedy into a cautionary tale for others.
For the families of the six victims, the loss remains immeasurable. For Galle, the years ahead will serve as an opportunity to reflect on his actions and, through mandated public outreach, attempt to prevent future tragedies of this nature.
