In surprise testimony, brother says Derrick Thompson was driving in crash that killed 5 Somali women

Derrick John Thompson's murder trial took a dramatic turn when his brother, Damarco Thompson, testified that Derrick was driving the Cadillac Escalade involved in a fatal crash that killed five young Somali women. Prosecutors subpoenaed Damarco after he indicated he would invoke his Fifth Amendment rights, but the court granted him immunity from prosecution regarding any drug or weapon charges to compel his testimony. Derrick faces 15 felony charges, including five counts of third-degree murder, related to the incident on June 16, 2023. The defense rested without calling any witnesses after Damarco's testimony, which added complexity to the proceedings. Damarco's hesitation to testify stemmed from concerns about self-incrimination linked to previous charges, including felony drug possession.

The prosecution's case concluded, and closing arguments are scheduled for Thursday. This trial highlights the legal strategies employed in serious criminal cases involving multiple defendants and the complexities of witness testimony. The incident has garnered significant local attention due to the tragic loss of life and the community's response.