After deliberating two days, a Hennepin County jury found Thompson guilty on all counts of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide.
(Aaron Nesheim | Sahan Journal/Sahan Journal) Advertisement Advertisement “I struggle to think of a case that meant more to me,” said Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Paige Starkey.
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I was asking questions of my sister saying, ‘Salma, Salma, where are you?
Advertisement about the writer Jeff Day Reporter Jeff Day is a Hennepin County courts reporter.
A jury in Hennepin County found Thompson guilty on all counts of third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide following two days of deliberation.
By Jeff Day.
Star Tribune, Minnesota.
07:07 on June 7, 2025.
On Friday, Derrick John Thompson was found guilty on all counts and is now sitting in court. (Sahan Journal/Aaron Nesheim).
“I find it difficult to recall a case that held greater significance for me,” stated Assistant Hennepin County Attorney Paige Starkey. From the start, this case has deeply affected me. “”.
Tyler Bliss, Thompson’s lawyer, refrained from commenting right after the verdict.
Sabiriin Ali, 17, on the left; Sahra Gesaade, 20, and Salma Abdikadir, 20, on the right; Sagal Hersi, 19, and Siham Adam, 19 were the five individuals who were killed. Thanks to Dar Al-Farooq.
In the hours following their presentation of the case on Thursday, the jury failed to return a verdict, leaving prosecutors and the victims’ families with a restless night.
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Among the 12 jurors was Lucas Sundelius, a 21-year-old student at the University of Minnesota. He claimed that although the discussion was controversial, it was essential. “Six people were conversing simultaneously,” Sundelius remarked. However, we were all raising valid points. “”.
Even seemingly insignificant details, such as whether Thompson or a prospective passenger was wearing a seatbelt, gained enormous weight once the jury heard the evidence.
Sundelius remarked, “You’re making decisions that will affect the life of another man.”. Additionally, you don’t want to ruin it. “”.
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Thompson was convicted of murder in a car accident that claimed the lives of five young women.
As Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty tells the media that Derrick Thompson was found guilty at the Hennepin County Government Center on Friday, family members embrace and weep. The Minnesota Star Tribune/Elizabeth Flores.
Although Thompson’s involvement in the deaths was partially resolved by the trial, it also caused new problems.
The video of the collision was accompanied by CT scans from the young women’s autopsies and testimony from an assistant medical examiner regarding the injuries sustained in the collision.
Prosecutors took advantage of the chance to humanize Thompson’s victims in an attempt to alleviate that suffering.
A family member of each victim testified over the course of five days about the identities of their loved ones. Tears were shed, tissues were passed, and heads were bowed in the gallery.
The state contacted the 20-year-old University of St. Munir Abdikadir, a Thomas student. His older sister, Salma, was two years his senior.
He explained to the judge his sister’s life plans. A student majoring in psychology at St. A natural storyteller and Paul College graduate, she aspired to work as a therapist.
Munir said, “She was very good with people.”.
His phone was ringing the night she died. He had recently concluded his evening prayers. A friend who was known to be playful was calling. Munir assumed he was making a joke when he mentioned a collision. He hung up. . His friend’s father answered the phone when the same number called back.
Munir recalled that an adult was speaking. I was aware that it had to be serious. “”.
After Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty speaks to the media and declares Derrick Thompson guilty, family members embrace and comfort one another. Elizabeth Flores/The Star Tribune of Minnesota.
He went downstairs and informed his mother, “Salma has experienced a change in circumstances.”. “.”.
Munir remembered, “I was trying to calm her down.”. Around her were my brothers. “”.
In order to wake his father, he went upstairs.
Salma’s shared iPhone location was being used by the family to find her as they drove toward Lake Street. They were aware of the issue.
when they got to the location. Munir had to help his mom get out of the car. She kept tripping and falling on the floor, as I recall. “”.
His dad broke down while standing in a corner.
Munir declared, “The strongest people I know are my parents.”. “I was unsure of what to do. “”.
He later learned that Salma had been brought to Eden Prairie to see the medical examiner after the family had concluded their morning prayer. Munir went there because he didn’t want to return home.
My mind was telling me that she was still alive and that she couldn’t possibly be dead. ‘.”.
He pounded on the building’s doors. Employees emerged from the building. He pleaded to be admitted. They informed him that he was not permitted to see his sister. They made an effort to comfort him and show empathy.
On his way out, he noticed a meadow in the distance as the sun was rising. He took a seat in the grass and started conversing with his sister and himself.
Munir remarked, “I never talked to myself this much.”. “I can still recall asking myself questions. I asked my sister, “Salma, Salma, where are you? I need you,” among other things. “Where are you?” I recall asking.
He leaned forward and sobbed softly on the witness stand.
“My family will never be the same,” he told the jury.
This story was contributed by Louis Krauss of the Minnesota Star Tribune.
regarding the author.
Jeff Day.
Reporter.
A reporter for the Hennepin County courts is Jeff Day. In the past, he was an editor and sports reporter.
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