Overview

• Prosecutors opened with graphic video of a rented Cadillac Escalade slamming into a Honda Civic after exiting Interstate 35W at high speed.
• Thompson faces 15 counts, including third-degree murder and criminal vehicular homicide, for the June 16, 2023 crash that killed five Somali-American women aged 17 to 20.
• Defense attorney Tyler Bliss named Derrick’s brother Demarco as a possible driver, citing surveillance of multiple passengers entering and exiting the SUV.
• First witnesses on May 29 included Thompson’s ex-girlfriend, who recalled him admitting to speeding that night, and state trooper Andres Guerra, who pursued the Escalade without activating lights.
• Judge Carolina Lamas will oversee resumed testimony Friday as the trial, which began May 29, is expected to conclude next week.