Derrick Thompson, 29, has been sentenced to 58 years and 8 months in prison for a deadly crash that killed five young Somali American women in Minneapolis in 2023. The case deeply affected Minnesota’s Somali community and led to one of the longest sentences for a vehicular homicide in the state’s history.
Thompson was found guilty last month on five counts of third-degree murder and ten counts of criminal vehicular homicide. Hennepin County Judge Carolina Lamas handed down five consecutive sentences, totaling 704 months in prison. Under Minnesota state law, Thompson is expected to serve about 39 years before becoming eligible for supervised release.
The Tragic Crash
The crash happened on June 16, 2023. Thompson was speeding in a rented Cadillac Escalade when he ran a red light and slammed into a Honda Civic. Inside the car were five young Somali women returning from wedding preparations. All of them died at the scene.
Earlier that evening, a state trooper had recorded Thompson driving at over 100 mph on Interstate 35W.
The victims were:
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Sahra Gesaade, 20
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Salma Abdikadir, 20
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Sagal Hersi, 19
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Siham Odhowa, 19
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Sabiriin Ali, 17
The women were close friends and relatives, all preparing for a wedding scheduled for the following day. Some had henna on their hands, others had been out shopping for dresses. Their sudden deaths shocked Somali communities across the U.S.
“These were not just daughters. They were scholars, volunteers, role models,” said Marian Farah, a leader at Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center in Bloomington, where the women worshipped.
Heartbreaking Testimonies
In court, emotions ran high as families gave tearful statements.
“We lost our five daughters, but he took us through even more pain,” said Fadumo Tingle, the mother of Sahra Gesaade. “We had to relive the horror during the trial and watch videos showing the crash.”
Sundus Ali, sister of Sabiriin, said: “She wanted to go to college and make the world better. That hope is gone. Her laughter is silence now.”
All five young women had dreams and ambitions. Sahra was close to earning a health sciences degree and wanted to become a doctor. Salma studied psychology. Sabiriin had just finished high school and was preparing college applications. They were the daughters of Somali immigrants who had come to the U.S. for a better life.
A Troubled History
Judge Lamas said the long sentence was justified due to Thompson’s past criminal behavior, the extreme speed of the crash, and his failure to help the victims afterward.
Thompson had previously served time in California for a 2018 hit-and-run that left a pedestrian in a coma. He was released early through a firefighter inmate program. Less than a year later, he was behind the wheel again.
“This sentence ensures he cannot cause this type of damage to our community again,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.
A probation officer noted that Thompson referred to the crash as an “accident,” minimizing his responsibility. Prosecutors had offered a plea deal of 32 to 38 years, which Thompson rejected. His defense lawyer asked for a lighter sentence of 22 to 28 years, pointing to Thompson’s apology in court. “Please don’t give up on me,” Thompson said to the families. “Please have mercy.”
Federal Charges Still Ahead
Thompson still faces federal charges related to drugs and weapons found in the SUV. Police discovered more than 2,000 fentanyl pills and a loaded gun after the crash. He will be sentenced for those charges in September, which may add more time or run alongside the current sentence.
The legal process has been exhausting for the families, who had to relive their trauma in both state and federal courtrooms.
A Community in Mourning
The crash left a deep scar on Minneapolis’s Somali community. Many parents who had once fled war in Somalia are now burying children born and raised in safety.
Vigils were held across the state. Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center organized memorials and support programs. One year later, the University of Minnesota awarded Sahra Gesaade a posthumous degree. Her sister Rukia accepted it. “She worked so hard for this moment,” she said. “She wanted to save lives. Now ours are forever changed.”
