Derrick Thompson sentenced to 704 months following June guilty verdicts

Derrick John Thompson, 29, was sentenced to 704 months Thursday for causing a severe crash that killed five young women in 2023.

The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office secured guilty verdicts on all charges against Mr. Thompson at trial in June 2025.

Mr. Thompson was convicted of the following charges:

Five counts of third-degree murder
Five counts of criminal vehicular homicide, operating a motor vehicle in a grossly negligent manner
Five counts of criminal vehicular homicide, driver who causes collision leaves the scene

The five young women killed ranged in ages from 17 to 20: Sabiriin Mahamoud Ali, Siham Ada Odhowa, Sahra Liban Gesaade, Sagal Burhaan Hersi, and Salma Mohamed Abdikadir. Mr. Thompson’s driving conduct was egregious, particularly in light of the fact that he had previously been convicted of a similar crime in which he almost killed someone.

“Today is a day to center Salma, Sahra, Sagal, Sabiriin, and Siham and their families,” Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said. “Five women were taken from their loved ones because of Mr. Thompson’s choices that night. He is being held accountable, and the length of this sentence ensures he cannot cause this type of damage to our community again.

“This was as preventable as it was inexcusable. Vehicles can easily become weapons when drivers make poor choices. Anyone who drives on our streets must remember their responsibility for safety in our neighborhoods.”

Mr. Thompson has 767 days of credit for time already served.

Case Number: 27-CR-23-12910

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