New court documents reveal additional details about a fatal crash involving an Amish buggy in southern Minnesota last September.
Samantha Jo Peterson, 35, is facing 12 charges, including multiple counts of criminal vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, DWI, and careless driving in connection with the crash on September 25, 2023.
When first responders arrived at the scene, a woman identifying herself as Peterson’s twin sister Sarah claimed to be the driver, according to the documents.
However, investigators allege Peterson was actually driving her own car while under the influence of methamphetamine when she struck the buggy.
The crash killed a 7-year-old and 11-year-old Amish child and seriously injured two other children in the buggy.
Peterson’s sister initially spoke to a deputy on scene and said she was driving Peterson’s car home from work when she hit the buggy.
But authorities say evidence shows Peterson tried to evade responsibility by getting her twin to take the blame.
If convicted on the criminal vehicular homicide charges, Peterson could face up to 10 years in prison per count. She is scheduled to appear in court later this month to face the charges.