A Minnesota woman was sentenced to four years in state prison this week for her role in a deadly Amish buggy crash on Sept. 25, 2023.
Samantha Peterson, the driver, pleaded guilty to criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation while under the influence, according to the Minnesota District Court. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter also ordered her to pay nearly $40,000 in restitution.
Authorities reported that Peterson was driving impaired by methamphetamine when she rear-ended a horse-drawn buggy near Spring Valley, resulting in the deaths of two sisters, ages 7 and 11, while two siblings were also injured.
Investigators allege that Peterson attempted to confuse officials by summoning her identical twin sister, Sarah, to the crash site to take responsibility. Evidence, including cellphone data and witness accounts, confirmed that Samantha was driving at the time of the incident.
Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge emphasized the need for accountability on roads shared with Amish buggies, noting the ongoing risk to these vulnerable road users.
In an emotional statement before sentencing, Peterson expressed remorse to the victims’ family, stating, “I wish with everything in me that I could go back and change what happened.”
Sarah Peterson was charged two days prior to her sister and has already completed her sentence for her involvement in the case.
This investigation remains ongoing.