Driver With Hit-and-Run Past Charged in Crash That Killed 5 Teens

Derrick John Thompson, who had previously served time for a hit-and-run, was charged with homicide and other crimes after a crash Monday night that killed five young women in Minneapolis.
Thompson had rented an SUV only 24 minutes before crashing into the car carrying the teens, who were returning from a mall and were members of the local Somali American community.
Investigators found drugs, a handgun, and an extended ammunition magazine in the wreckage of Thompson's SUV.
Although state guidelines recommend four years in prison for vehicular homicide by someone with no record, prosecutors will seek maximum, consecutive sentences for Thompson, a convicted felon barred from having firearms.
Thousands attended the teens' funeral Monday, while Thompson remained jailed and faces life in prison on the federal charges.