Minneapolis, Minn. — Derrick Thompson is gearing up for a jury trial that will address multiple charges related to a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of five young women. Jury selection is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, marking a pivotal moment in the legal proceedings against the 29-year-old.
The criminal charges stem from an incident that occurred on June 16, 2023, when Thompson allegedly drove a rented SUV at dangerously high speeds on Interstate 94. During the night of the incident, a state trooper reportedly tracked Thompson reaching speeds of 95 mph. In an apparent attempt to evade capture, Thompson exited the interstate, accelerated through a red light, and collided with a vehicle containing the victims, all of whom were killed instantly.
Thompson now faces five counts of third-degree murder and ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide. The victims, aged between 17 and 20, have been identified as Salma Mohamed Abdikadir, Sahra Liban Gesaade, Sagal Burhaan Hersi, Siham Adan Odhowa, and Sabiriin Mohamoud Ali. They were reportedly on their way to prepare for a wedding scheduled for the following day.
In the aftermath of the crash, authorities discovered a loaded Glock .40 handgun with an extended magazine in Thompson’s vehicle, along with over 2,000 pills that tested positive for fentanyl and nearly 36 grams of cocaine. These findings have added another layer to the severity of the case.
Thompson was previously convicted on federal drug and gun charges, with a jury taking just hours to reach a guilty verdict in October. Following this conviction, prosecutors presented a plea deal that would have allowed Thompson to plead guilty to five counts of vehicular homicide in exchange for a 32-year prison sentence. However, Thompson declined the offer, opting instead to face a jury in a gamble that could lead to a much harsher sentencing.
Should Thompson be convicted, prosecutors plan to seek an aggravated sentence, citing his prior convictions for similar offenses and his failure to assist the victims after the collision. Judge Carolina Lamas will have the authority to impose a sentence of up to 50 years if the jury finds Thompson guilty of the charges against him.
As the trial approaches, Judge Lamas has permitted the use of cameras in the courtroom, ensuring that the proceedings will be publicly accessible once jury selection concludes. The case continues to draw attention as the community grapples with the devastating impact of the tragic incident.