Minnesota Teen Charged With Vehicular Homicide In Distracted-Driving Crash Killing Girl

Conner Michael Iversen, an 18-year-old man from St. Paul, Minnesota, has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide after a February crash in Independence killed 11-year-old Lilyana Loycano, who was a passenger in an SUV struck by Iversen's pickup truck. Court documents and witness statements indicate that Iversen ran a stop sign at approximately 63 mph in a 50 mph zone, failing to slow down, and was using his cell phone moments before the collision. The crash involved three vehicles and resulted in the death of Lilyana, who was critically injured and later died at a hospital, while five family members in the SUV were also injured. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the devastating impact of dangerous driving in the community and confirmed the thorough review leading to the charges. This incident is part of a pattern of serious offenses by Iversen, who was previously charged with fleeing police at speeds over 100 mph and other traffic violations. The case highlights ongoing concerns about distracted driving and its fatal consequences.