SPRING VALLEY, Minn. — A woman was sentenced to four years in prison for a crash involving an Amish buggy that resulted in two fatalities on September 25, 2023.
Samantha Peterson, 37, crashed her vehicle into a buggy carrying four people while under the influence of methamphetamine. The collision killed an 11-year-old and a 7-year-old. Authorities confirmed the incident led to an immediate investigation.
After the crash, Peterson contacted her twin sister, Sarah, urging her to take the blame. Police quickly noted discrepancies in their statements, leading them to determine that Samantha was the driver. Investigators found a text message on Samantha’s phone admitting to the crash and her plan to deceive law enforcement.
During her sentencing on October 16, Peterson expressed remorse, acknowledging her addiction’s impact and apologizing for misleading authorities: “I made terrible decisions to deceive the police. I am deeply sorry for that,” she said.
Sarah Peterson was sentenced in March to three months in jail and four years of probation for her involvement in the deception.
The incident is under ongoing investigation, according to local authorities.