ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found Derrick John Thompson guilty of illegal possession of a firearm and fentanyl following a deadly vehicle crash that killed five victims, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

Following a five-day trial in U.S. District Court before Judge Jeffrey M. Bryan, Thompson, 28, was found guilty of one count of possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl, one count of possessing a firearm as a felon, and one count of carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

Thompson has not been to trial for the Murders of these ladies:

According to evidence presented at trial, on June 16, 2023, a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol observed a black Cadillac Escalade speeding north on I-35W, traveling at 95 miles per hour in a 55 miles per hour speed zone. The trooper observed the driver, later identified as Thompson, abruptly cut across four lanes of traffic to exit the freeway at the Lake Street exit. The trooper began following the SUV but did not activate the emergency lights or sirens because the trooper did not want to attempt a traffic stop on city streets given the Escalade’s dangerous driving. At the intersection of 2nd Avenue South and East Lake Street, Thompson sped through a red light at the intersection without stopping or slowing. The SUV struck at full speed the driver’s side of a Honda Civic that was traveling lawfully through the intersection. All five occupants of the Honda Civic, four adult females and one juvenile female, were killed. When law enforcement responded to the scene of the crash, witnesses told officers where Thompson fled. Officers found Thompson, wearing clothing that matched the description given by witnesses, sitting on the curb outside of a nearby restaurant. Officers detained Thompson, who was later transported to Hennepin County Medical Center for evaluation.

According to evidence presented at trial, an officer found at the scene a Hertz rental record for the Cadillac Escalade indicating that Thompson rented the vehicle from a Hertz located at the Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport approximately 30 minutes before the crash. After obtaining a warrant to search the vehicle, officers found a black leather bag on the front passenger side floor that contained a loaded Glock pistol with an extended magazine, as well as three baggies containing more than 2,000 blue “M-Box 30” fentanyl pills, a baggie containing an additional 14 grams of fentanyl powder, a baggie containing 35 grams of cocaine, and a digital scale. Subsequent testing determined that Thompson’s DNA was present on the firearm, the fentanyl powder, and the cocaine. A search of Thompson’s phone found dozens of texts indicating fentanyl deals.

Because Thompson has multiple prior felony convictions, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Minnesota State Patrol, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Minneapolis–St. Paul Airport Police Department, in coordination with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Calhoun-Lopez and Ruth S. Shnider tried the case.

More info on Derrick Thompson

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About: Justin was a hard worker and spent his professional career as a carpenter. He was determined and talented at his profession and took pride in his work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, spending time outdoors, and making the occasional trip to the lake. Justin loved being an uncle and spending time with his family. Most of all, Justin was always willing to lend a helping hand, and would help anyone in need.

Date of incident: 19 April 2021

Lindsay Rae Shelltrack-Miller

About: Is a U.S. Army Veteran with 11 years of experience as a BMET in Clinical Engineering, an A.A.S. in Biomedical Electronics Technology, Manufacturers Training, and Field Service experience.  She would be attending St.Cloud State University Electrical/Computer Engineering Undergraduate Program for a Bachelor’s Degree.

Date charged with murder: 21 April 2021

Charges: 2nd-degree murder without intent while committing a felony

Trial:  Bench trial – Judge determines the verdict

Her story: Shelltrack-Miller called 911 on 19 April 2021 and said she stabbed a man. She told investigators she got into an argument with Justin. She claimed he “came after her,” so she maced him. She said he continued to come toward her, so she pulled out a knife and stabbed him.

The facts: Court records show police watched surveillance video that showed Berge running down the alley to escape the woman when she latches onto his back as if she was trying to grab something. As Berge is seen picking up items on the ground, Shelltrack-Miller allegedly begins kicking him and spraying him with mace.

Verdict:  Guilty of 2nd degree murder without intent

Sentence:  Not sentenced, no date of sentencing hearing as of 15 December 2021

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