Identical twins hailing from Minnesota are under suspicion for allegedly swapping places following a tragic incident where one of them, purportedly under the influence while driving along a rural highway, collided with an Amish horse-drawn carriage, resulting in the deaths of two children. Law enforcement authorities invested considerable time in gathering evidence before formally pressing charges. However, an expert suggests that the incriminating evidence may not be as conclusive as initially thought.
According to prosecutors, Samantha Jo Petersen stands accused of being the driver on September 25, 2023, when a vehicle crashed into the horse-drawn carriage, causing the fatalities of two young individuals and injuries to their siblings. Prosecutors assert that it was Samantha, not her identical twin sister Sarah Beth Petersen, who was behind the wheel at the time, despite Sarah initially claiming responsibility.
The tragic collision claimed the lives of 7-year-old Wilma Miller and 11-year-old Irma Miller, while two other siblings, aged 9 and 13, were hospitalized due to injuries sustained. Court documents reveal that Samantha Petersen was driving with an expired license and lacked insurance for her vehicle, a silver Toyota 4Runner, during the incident.
Sheriff John DeGeorge, in statements to local media, detailed how a thorough investigation uncovered inconsistencies, leading to the unraveling of the alleged scheme. Sarah Petersen had falsely claimed responsibility for the crash upon police arrival, purportedly as part of a plan concocted by the sisters. Allegedly, Samantha, who was under the influence of drugs at the time, feared legal consequences and coerced Sarah into taking the blame.
During the investigation, officers discovered drug paraphernalia in the crashed vehicle, indicating substance use by Samantha. Further evidence, including incriminating text messages and internet searches, implicated Samantha as the driver responsible for the collision.
Samantha Petersen now faces 21 charges, including vehicular homicide and DWI, with a court date set for March 25. Meanwhile, Sarah Petersen is scheduled to appear in court on April 1, facing 16 felony charges, including aiding and abetting and obstruction of justice.
Former prosecutor turned defense attorney David Gelman acknowledges the circumstantial evidence against the suspected driver but notes the challenges prosecutors may face in proving vehicular homicide. However, he highlights the easier threshold of proving negligence under Minnesota law. Gelman also speculates on the potential legal strategies and outcomes for Sarah Petersen, emphasizing the possibility of plea deals and the difficulty in proving her direct involvement in the incident.