Overview
- Samantha Jo Petersen, 37, was sentenced in Fillmore County District Court to four years in state prison after pleading guilty to criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation.
- Judge Jeremy Clinefelter ordered the two terms to run concurrently and set restitution at nearly $40,000, with Petersen expected to serve about 2⅔ years before supervised release.
- The Sept. 25, 2023 rear-end collision on County Road 1 near Stewartville killed sisters Wilma, 7, and Irma Miller, 11, and injured their siblings, ages 9 and 13.
- Investigators cited BCA blood tests showing methamphetamine, amphetamine and THC in Petersen’s system and a State Patrol estimate of 61–71 mph in a 55‑mph zone.
- Authorities said Petersen summoned her identical twin, Sarah, who initially claimed to be the driver, but texts, an HR call, a deputy’s recorder and phone data showed Samantha was behind the wheel; Sarah later pleaded guilty and received 90 days in jail, 120 days of home monitoring and four years’ probation.