Twin Attempts to Shoulder Sister’s Blame in Aftermath of Fatal Amish Buggy Crash in Minnesota

A Minnesota woman has been charged in connection with a tragic crash that resulted in the deaths of two children riding in an Amish buggy back in September 2023. Surprisingly, her identical twin sister reportedly attempted to take the blame for the incident. 

A woman named Samantha Jo Peterson, aged 35, from Kellogg, Minnesota, is facing a total of 21 charges. These charges include several counts of criminal vehicular homicide and driving under the influence of drugs.

They are in relation to a tragic incident that occurred on September 25, 2023. The crash resulted in the loss of two children’s lives and caused injuries to two other individuals.

As per the criminal complaint acquired by Fox 9, authorities were called to the scene of a collision between a vehicle and an Amish buggy at approximately 8:30 a.m. on September 25, 2023.

The tragic incident resulted in the loss of two young lives, with their younger brother sustaining severe injuries and their older sibling also suffering significant harm.

Upon the officers’ arrival, Samantha Jo Peterson and her twin sister, Sarah, were present at the scene. According to a criminal complaint, Sarah maintained that she was the driver involved in the collision with the buggy.

Allegations Unveiled in Amish Buggy Crash Investigation

The complaint alleges that the obtained text messages reveal Samantha Jo Petersen’s attempt to shift the blame onto her twin sister for the crash.

It is claimed that she was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time and was afraid of facing imprisonment. However, the supposed cover story fell apart rapidly as investigators delved into the case, according to the complaint.

According to the complaint, video evidence from the employer’s parking lot and a deputy’s squad car dash camera suggests that Samantha Jo Peterson may have attempted to deceive investigators by swapping clothes with her twin at the crash scene. 

During the investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant and examined Samantha Jo Petersen’s cell phone records. It was discovered that Petersen had conducted a search on her phone regarding the consequences of being involved in an accident with an Amish buggy resulting in fatalities, according to the complaint. 

Samantha Jo Petersen has a criminal history that includes convictions for fourth-degree DWI on Oct. 15, 2015, third-degree DWI on Aug. 6, 2018, and giving a false name to police on March 15, 2007.Samantha Jo Petersen is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on March 25.