FOREST LAKE (trfnews.i234.me) — A Forest Lake man has been sentenced to 19 years in prison for a brutal hit-and-run at Lakeside Veterans Memorial Park that claimed the life of 17-year-old Darisha Bailey-Vath and left three others injured.
Dylan Robert Simmons, 20 at the time of the crime, was found guilty by a jury of unintentional second-degree murder, criminal vehicular homicide, and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. He was acquitted of intentional second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter.
The incident occurred on July 16, 2023, following a heated altercation between two groups at the park. Witnesses reported that Simmons repeatedly used his vehicle to drive toward members of the opposing group, ultimately crashing into the rear of another car and fatally running over Bailey-Vath. Three additional individuals sustained injuries in the assault.
Simmons fled the scene but later returned and confessed to being the driver when questioned by authorities. On March 20, 2025, he was officially sentenced and also ordered to pay $587 in court fees, including a $500 fine and victim assistance surcharges.
Simmons has remained in custody since his arrest in 2023, marking a devastating chapter for the Forest Lake community as they mourn the loss of a young life.
I’m Chris Harper, and I’m reporting for TRF News.
Did you know?
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Minnesota law allows unintentional second-degree murder convictions when deaths occur during felonious acts like assault or vehicular crimes.
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Hit-and-run incidents have surged nationally, with nearly 3,000 fatalities reported annually in recent years.
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Lakeside Veterans Memorial Park is a popular gathering space in Forest Lake, often hosting community events and memorial services.