Minneapolis crash kills 5 women, driver faces murder charges

On June 16, a tragic incident occurred in Minneapolis when Derrick Thompson, driving recklessly at 95 mph in a 55 mph zone, crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Lake Street and Second Avenue. This collision resulted in the deaths of five young women: Sabiriin Ali, 17; Sahra Gesaade, 20; Salma Abdikadir, 20; Sagal Hersi, 19; and Siham Adam, 19. Thompson was apprehended shortly after the crash and was hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the incident. Following the crash, Thompson was charged with multiple counts of third-degree murder, reflecting his history of dangerous driving and the severe consequences of his actions. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office indicated that the new charges were warranted due to Thompson's extensive record and the devastation caused by the crash. In August, a plea deal was offered, which would require him to plead guilty to five counts of criminal vehicular homicide, potentially resulting in a sentence of 32 to 38 years. In addition to the murder charges, Thompson faces federal charges related to drug possession and firearm offenses. Authorities discovered a loaded semi-automatic handgun, over 2,000 fentanyl pills, MDMA, and cocaine in his vehicle, indicating a serious involvement in drug trafficking. This aspect of the case adds another layer of complexity to the legal proceedings against him. The upcoming court date on November 4 will be crucial, as the plea deal may be revoked, leading to a more severe legal outcome for Thompson. The case has drawn significant attention due to the tragic loss of life and the implications of reckless driving and substance abuse on public safety.