Professional combat sports athlete Sheena Brandenburg, also known by the fighting alias “Sheena Starr,” has been arrested on charges stemming from an August hit-and-run incident that left one person dead in Clark County, Mich.
A former fighter for Bare Knuckle FC and RIZIN, Brandenburg was only recently arrested in Elsberry, Mo., after a warrant for her arrest was issued in October. Michigan State Police confirmed the news to MMA Junkie on Wednesday after an initial report from 9&10 News.
Following her arrest, Brandenberg, 37, was extradited to Michigan State Police and placed in Clark County Jail. She was arraigned March 8 on one count of reckless driving causing death and one count failure to stop at scene accident resulting in serious impairment or death. Her bond was set at $250,000.
The alleged hit-and-run occurred Aug. 1 at around 1 a.m. local time. Michigan State Police officers responded to the scene of an apparent single vehicle crash involving a motorcycle. Police found motorcyclist Troy Lambert, 56, injured. He was transported to Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Mich., where he later died from his injuries sustained.
Further investigation revealed the crash was not single-vehicle. According to police, Lambert was struck from behind by Brandenburg in her vehicle. Both Lambert and Brandenburg were coming from a local tavern. Police say Brandenburg did not stop to assist Lambert after she struck him.
When police identified Brandenburg as a potential suspect, she had already left Michigan.
According to Clark County Court online records, Brandenburg has a long history of arrests, which includes operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL) in 2016 and operating while intoxicated in 2012 and 2010.
A warrant for Brandenburg’s arrest first was issued in October. This past December, despite having a warrant out for her arrest, Brandenburg (0-4 MMA) competed at BKFC 15 and lost to Jenny Clausius by second-round doctor stoppage. The loss was Brandenburg’s second in three career appearances for the promotion.
BKFC did not immediately provide a comment when reached by MMA Junkie.
BKFC wasn’t Brandenburg’s only time in the international combat sports spotlight. She also competed in the 2017 RIZIN grand prix and was submitted in the opening round by Shinju Nozawa-Auclair.
BKFC, RIZIN alum Sheena ‘Starr’ Brandenburg charged in deadly August hit-and-run