SAINT PAUL, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – Federal prosecutors warned jurors to prepare for the disturbing footage as they played surveillance video during Derrick Thompson’s federal trial. The video, complete with sound, shows a car approaching a green light when an SUV barrels into view, running a red light and crushing the smaller vehicle. Inside, five young Somali women were killed instantly.
As shocking as the footage is, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Calhoun-Lopez emphasized that this trial focuses on the drugs and loaded gun found in the vehicle. Thompson is accused of fleeing the scene and lying to police, with DNA evidence linking him to the items.
However, the defense argues the drugs and gun belong to Derrick’s brother, Damarco Thompson, who was also in the SUV. Defense attorney Matthew Deates claims police ignored key evidence and focused on the wrong man. Damarco, with a history of drug and gun offenses, is not facing charges in this case, but Derrick Thompson also faces separate state charges for third-degree murder and vehicular homicide.