PRESTON, MN – Sarah Petersen, 35, has taken legal responsibility for her role in a deception meant to shield her twin sister from consequences following a tragic accident involving an Amish buggy last year. The guilty plea emerged from a complex case involving not just a vehicular mishap but a subsequent attempt to swap identities with her nearly identical sister, Samantha Petersen.
The court heard that the sisters faced a fateful choice after Sarah pleaded guilty to two counts of criminal vehicular operation leading to great bodily harm. This confession relates to her actions following the crash in September 2023, which resulted in the deaths of two Amish children, Wilma Miller, 7, and Irma Miller, 11, and injuries to two of their siblings. The accident occurred when Samantha Petersen’s SUV collided with a horse-drawn carriage, a typical mode of transport among the Amish.
Witnesses at the scene reported a peculiar occurrence, initially seeing a woman with a cell phone, followed by a second woman who looked similar but was differently dressed. These accounts have played a significant role in the investigation, according to Fillmore County authorities.
The investigation turned contentious when it was revealed that Sarah, thinking she could mislead the authorities due to their identical appearances, attempted to take the fall for her sister. This plan unraveled when law enforcement discovered incriminating text messages on Samantha’s phone, including ones discussing the accident and planning to let Sarah accept the blame.
Moreover, investigators found internet searches on Samantha’s device, which further implicated her in the crash. They indicated a concern over potential legal consequences following the deadly collision.
In February 2024, charges were formally filed against both sisters, with Samantha facing 21 counts and Sarah 16. The cynosure of the courtroom drama centered on Sarah’s admission, where she expressed regret for lying to shield her sibling.
Sarah Petersen now faces up to six months in jail and four years of probation under a plea agreement, pending approval by Third Judicial District Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. Her remaining charges are set to be dismissed when the agreement is formalized.
Conversely, Samantha Petersen confronts a more precarious legal situation. Although some initial charges against her have been dropped, she is still being prosecuted for criminal vehicular homicide, impaired driving, and other offenses, with her trial slated for mid-July.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the public and legal community alike are left grappling with the consequences of the crash and the sisters’ complicated attempt to navigate the aftermath.