Families Mourn as Driver Responsible for Killing Five Somali American Women Faces Trial on Drug and Firearm Charges

Footage from surveillance cameras capturing a tragic collision that resulted in the deaths of five friends in June 2023 was highlighted as Derrick Thompson faced his federal trial.

Tears rolled down, and comforting embraces were shared among family members as they watched the haunting footage in federal court. It was a heart-wrenching scene involving the tragic fates of five young Somali American women.

During the trial’s opening moments, the grim video of the incident—where Thompson, the driver, struck the women’s car—played. The crash took place at the crossroads of Lake Street and 2nd Avenue on June 16, and put Thompson, aged 28, in hot water for drug and firearm charges.

Visuals from a street camera detailed the violent moment when Thompson’s Cadillac Escalade sped into the women’s Honda Civic, cloaking it in smoke. Tragically, Sabiriin Ali (17), Sahra Gesaade (20), Salma Abdikadir (20), Sagal Hersi (19), and Siham Odhowa (19) lost their lives. They were celebrated community icons.

Expressing her deep sorrow, Sahra’s mother, Fadumo Tingle, remarked on the difficulty of sitting in court.

“We’re managing,” Fadumo stated, flanked by supportive family members of the victims.

The federal case, while underway since Monday with jury selections, focuses on unlawful substances and arms seized from a rented Cadillac, bypassing the fatalities’ specifics. Thompson also faces murder charges in Hennepin County.

From the federal perspective, authorities seized a considerable drug cache and a loaded firearm post-crash, revealing Thompson’s heavy involvement in drug trafficking.

Judge Jeffrey Bryan made it known that though the crash permeates the trial, the jurors must concentrate on the federal accusations.

According to reports, aggressive driving was evident as Thompson approached 95 mph in a 55 mph zone on I-35W north. Recklessly cutting across lanes, he later sped through a red light, leading to the crash after 10 PM, leaving the devastated community to grieve the friends preparing for a wedding.

Opening remarks had District Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez depicting Thompson as an “armed drug dealer.” He warned the jurors about the disturbingly vivid nature of the crash footage, which echoed through the courtroom as it played.

Thompson, shown on police body cameras bleeding from his head, fabricated an alibi when stopped by officers, stating the blood wasn’t fresh.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Calhoun-Lopez stated, “He fled and lied because it was his stash, and he knew it.” Evidence included text messages and weighed drugs found, establishing his intent to sell.

Defending Thompson, lawyer Matthew Deates claimed the gun and narcotics belonged to Thompson’s brother, Damarco. The defense argued this, indicating Damarco had fled the scene as well. Thus, intent was to shift focus from Derrick Thompson to his sibling.

“It’s governmental tunnel vision,” argued Deates, suggesting misplaced culpability on Thompson.

Thousands gathered later at a mosque to mourn these lost lives, highlighting the profound community impact this incident left.

Following the opening arguments, testimony began, with accounts from law enforcement describing Thompson’s reckless driving habits and crash site details.

Participants, including forensic experts, a neighbor, and Thompson’s former partner, shared their testimonies, fleshing out the narrative surrounding the catastrophe.

The crash video replay, alongside wreck photos of the Cadillac, drew somber reactions, driving home the vivid horror and loss experienced.

A juror faced anxiety and was excused, leaving the roster at 13. Proceedings will pick up again Wednesday.

State murder charges added layers to this harrowing case, with multiple vehicular homicide charges framed around the collision and ensuing escape.

With courtroom propositions of plea deals and additional murder charges, Thompson faces a legal crossroads, awaiting November deadlines and trial settings deep into 2025.

Through it all, family voices remain rooted in hope for due justice, showing solidarity amid the lingering pain.

Edited by: Ali Musa

Axadle international–Monitoring