Minneapolis, Minn. — A jury in Hennepin County has convicted Derrick John Thompson of five counts of third-degree murder and 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide, two years after a tragic car crash claimed the lives of five young women. The verdict, delivered on Friday, marked a significant moment for the community, offering a sense of justice to families still grieving the loss of their loved ones.
Thompson, 29, showed little emotion as he was escorted into the courtroom by three deputies. He maintained a stoic demeanor during the proceedings, ultimately departing quietly with his hands in his pockets. The case had garnered widespread attention, particularly within Minnesota’s Somali community, following the devastating accident in June 2023 that shook the region.
The prosecution, led by Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Paige Starkey, worked tirelessly to ensure accountability. Family members of the victims expressed their appreciation for Starkey’s commitment as they left the courtroom, pausing to offer her comforting hugs amidst their sorrow.
The jury’s decision also included affirmative responses on a special verdict form, which could pave the way for the state to seek a harsher sentence than what Minnesota’s guidelines typically allow. Thompson is scheduled for sentencing on July 24, a date that looms heavily for both the community and the families affected by this tragedy.
The five victims—Sahra Gesaade, Salma Abdikadir, Sagal Hersi, Siham Adam, and Sabiriin Ali—ranged in age from 17 to 20. They were celebrating a friend’s upcoming wedding, having just left Karmel Mall where they were getting henna tattoos. Their lives were abruptly cut short when their Honda Civic collided with another vehicle while going through a green light at the intersection of East Lake Street and 2nd Avenue South.
This incident not only impacted the families of the victims but also resonated throughout the entire community, raising awareness around issues of road safety and reckless driving. The emotional impact has endured as families and friends continue to remember the bright futures cut short.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, calls for change in local traffic regulations and dangerous driving behavior are becoming more prominent. Advocates hope that the tragic loss of these young women will serve as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and actions that could prevent such incidents in the future.
With the legal proceedings now concluded, the focus will inevitably shift back to healing and remembrance. The lives of the young women lost that night remain in the hearts of many, underscoring the importance of unity and support within the community in the wake of such profound sorrow.