Prosecutors offer plea deal to man accused in Minneapolis car crash that killed five young women

The man accused of killing five young women in a high-speed crash in Minneapolis last summer could face up to 32 years in prison if he accepts a deal with Hennepin County prosecutors.

At a hearing Tuesday, Hennepin County prosecutors offered to drop half of the 10 counts of involuntary manslaughter against Derrick John Thompson if he pleads guilty to the other five counts. His likely sentence under those terms would be between 32 and 39 years.

Prosecutors accuse Thompson, 28, of negligent operation of a vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident that killed five people. As part of the plea deal, the five counts of negligent operation would be dropped if he pleads guilty to the remaining counts of leaving the scene of an accident.

Thompson also faces criminal charges in federal court, charging him with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute and illegal possession of a firearm.

As previously reported, Thompson allegedly crashed an SUV into another car on the evening of June 16, 2023, shortly after exiting Interstate 35W at Lake Street. Five young women between the ages of 17 and 20 in the other car were killed instantly: Salma Abdikadir, Siham Adam, Sabiriin Ali, Sahra Gesaade and Sagal Hersi.

According to the Minnesota State Patrol, a police officer filmed Thompson driving 95 miles per hour shortly before the accident, but did not pursue him.

Thompson has until his next court date on November 4 to accept or reject the settlement.