Derrick Thompson receives nearly 59-year sentence for deadly crash in Minneapolis

In June 2023, a tragic incident occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where five young women lost their lives in a high-speed automobile crash. The victims, ranging in age from 17 to 20, were on their way home after participating in preparations for a friend's wedding when their vehicle was struck by a speeding SUV driven by Derrick Thompson. Authorities reported that Thompson was driving erratically at speeds exceeding 100 mph when he ran a red light and collided with the women's sedan. This horrific accident sparked significant outrage and sorrow within the local Somali American community, highlighting the loss of young lives filled with promise. Following an extensive investigation, Derrick Thompson, aged 32, was found guilty of multiple counts, including five counts of third-degree murder and ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide. At his sentencing hearing, which took place in July 2025, Thompson expressed remorse for his actions, stating he has continually questioned why he survived while the victims did not. Despite his apology, many family members and friends of the deceased expressed their anger, feeling that his acknowledgment of guilt came too late after they endured two criminal trials. During the hearing, several family members of the young women spoke, demanding a life sentence without parole for Thompson. They shared heartfelt statements detailing the dreams and aspirations of the young women who had their lives stolen away too soon. The emotional testimonies conveyed the deep wounds inflicted on the families, with one sister poignantly saying, "She had dreams of attending university, of making a difference in the world... all of that was taken away." Thompson was ultimately sentenced to 58 years and eight months in prison, which includes approximately 19.5 years that could be served under supervised release. He also received credit for 767 days previously served while awaiting trial. The incident not only devastated the families of the victims but also stirred conversations about reckless driving and the need for tougher penalties for such behaviors. Thompson's actions and their tragic consequences remind society of the enduring effects of impaired decision-making behind the wheel and have led to calls for reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in the future.