A Minnesota man has been found guilty of federal firearm and drug offenses in connection with a fatal car crash in 2023 that claimed the lives of five young women. Derrick John Thompson, 29, from Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, was convicted by a federal jury after a five-day trial. He was charged with illegal possession of a firearm and fentanyl. Thompson also faces state charges of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide related to the crash.
The incident occurred when Thompson, driving a black Cadillac Escalade, was reportedly speeding at 95 mph in a 55 mph-zone on a Minnesota freeway. He abruptly changed lanes, ran a red light, and collided with another car carrying the five victims, all of whom tragically lost their lives. Upon searching the Escalade, which Thompson had rented shortly before the crash, police discovered a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, over 2,000 fentanyl pills, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and a digital scale.
Thompson, who has previous felony convictions, is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition. His attorney, Matthew Deates, claimed during the trial that the weapons and drugs belonged to Thompson’s brother, who has not been charged. The victims, Salma Abdikadir, Siham Adam, Sabiriin Ali, Sahra Gesaade, and Sagal Hersi, aged between 17 and 20, were returning from a wedding preparation when the tragic incident occurred, sparking immense grief within Minnesota’s Somali American community.
Court records reveal that Thompson is the son of former state Rep. John Thompson, known for his criticism of law enforcement during his tenure. The ex-lawmaker has not yet publicly commented on his son’s case. Thompson’s sentencing for the federal charges will be arranged at a later date, in addition to the ongoing state charges he faces regarding the fatal crash.