Derrick Thompson was convicted on federal drug and firearms charges related to a crash in Minneapolis that killed five young Somali American women in June 2023. The jury found him guilty of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm, and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime. The federal trial, which focused solely on these charges, did not address the deaths of the women, as Thompson also faces separate murder and criminal vehicular homicide charges in state court.
The tragic accident occurred when Thompson ran a red light while driving a rented Cadillac Escalade, colliding with a Honda Civic carrying the five victims—Sabiriin Ali, Sahra Gesaade, Salma Abdikadir, Sagal Hersi, and Siham Odhowa. All five women were killed instantly, and their funeral drew thousands of mourners, highlighting their significance in the community. After the crash, Thompson fled the scene but was later arrested; authorities found a handgun and over 2,000 fentanyl pills inside the vehicle.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence, including witness testimonies and text messages extracted from Thompson’s phone, that suggested he was actively involved in drug trafficking. The defense countered by claiming that the drugs and gun belonged to Thompson’s brother, Damarco, who was also in the vehicle but has not been charged. The defense argued that law enforcement had mishandled the crash scene, while prosecutors maintained that Thompson’s involvement in drug dealing was evident from the evidence presented.
Thompson faces additional charges in state court, including 10 counts of criminal vehicular homicide and five counts of third-degree murder. A plea deal has been proposed that could reduce some charges if he pleads guilty, with a decision required by November 4. If he rejects the deal, a trial is scheduled for February 28, 2025. Thompson is the son of former state DFL Representative John Thompson, adding a layer of public interest to the case as it unfolds.
