Derrick Thompson Convicted; Faces State Trial in February

Derrick Thompson, son of former Minnesota state representative John Thompson, was convicted on federal charges for drug and firearm possession related to a 2023 crash in Minneapolis that killed five young women. The federal charges include possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm as a felon, with evidence including a loaded handgun and 2,000 fentanyl pills found in his SUV. The crash occurred when Thompson allegedly ran a red light, resulting in the deaths of the victims, aged 17 to 20, who were on their way home from wedding errands. Thompson's defense claimed the drugs and gun belonged to his brother, who was also in the vehicle, but the jury found the evidence against Derrick compelling. He still faces state charges of criminal vehicular homicide and third-degree murder, with a trial scheduled for February. This case has drawn public attention due to the tragic loss of life and Thompson's political connections.