A tragic 2023 crash in southern Minnesota that killed two young Amish sisters and injured two of their siblings has ended in prison sentences for twin sisters Samantha and Sarah Petersen. The case drew widespread attention for its unusual circumstances — identical twins involved in a deadly accident and a subsequent cover-up. Investigators determined that Samantha had been driving under the influence of methamphetamine when her SUV struck the horse-drawn buggy, while her sister, Sarah, falsely claimed responsibility in an attempt to shield her. Their actions have led to two separate convictions: Sarah Petersen was sentenced back in March 2025, and Samantha Petersen has now been sentenced as well.
A Fatal Morning
An Amish buggy trots along Route 896, east of Lancaster, PA.
The deadly collision occurred in September 2023 near Stewartville, Minnesota. Samantha Petersen, 37, was driving an SUV when she crashed into the back of a horse-drawn buggy carrying four Amish children on their way to school. Two sisters, ages 7 and 11, were killed while their 9-year-old brother and 13-year-old sister survived with serious injuries. The rural road, which carries both vehicle and buggy traffic, is well-marked with signs warning drivers to slow down. Despite an initial attempt by Samantha’s identical twin, Sarah Petersen, to take the blame, investigators later confirmed Samantha had been behind the wheel and had been high on methamphetamine at the time.
The Attempted Cover-Up Unfolds
Police tape off a crime scene, Saturday, July 6, 2024, on the 2600 block of Ridgecrest Drive in Florence, Ky.
After the crash, Sarah Petersen arrived at the scene and told deputies she had been the driver. Authorities initially believed her. Sarah claimed she was using Samantha’s SUV because her own vehicle was being repaired. But inconsistencies rapidly surfaced. A deputy’s body microphone, left running in a patrol car, captured Sarah telling her sister that investigators could never tell them apart. Cellphone text records, 911 logs, voice recordings, browser histories, workplace camera footage and search warrants later revealed that Samantha was actually the one behind the wheel at the time of the crash. Investigators began to suspect a deliberate deception, launching an inquiry that would eventually unravel the sisters’ story.
Digital Clues Reveal the Truth
City of Anderson police investigators collect evidence during investigation of a shooting incident in which two died around the corner of West Franklin Street and Murray Avenue in Anderson, S.C. Sunday, October 12, 2025.
The investigation turned when detectives uncovered damning evidence from Samantha Petersen’s cellphone. On the day of the crash, she texted that she had “hit that Amish buggy and killed two ppl,” adding that she had made Sarah take the blame to avoid prison. Her search history included phrases like, “What happens if you get in an accident with an Amish buggy and kill two people?” and “How to lock an iPhone cops have.” Cellphone location data showed Samantha had left work in Rochester about 20 minutes before the crash, and her employer later confirmed she had called after the collision, admitting she had been driving high. Combined with physical evidence and witness statements, the digital trail proved decisive in confirming Samantha’s role in the fatal crash.
Sentencing and Accountability
Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; An empty jury box in a Franklin County Common Pleas Court courtroom.
Judge Jeremy Clinefelter sentenced Samantha Petersen to four years in the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Shakopee for criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation under the influence. She was also ordered to pay nearly $40,000 in restitution to the victims’ family. Her twin sister, Sarah Petersen, received a 90-day jail sentence and four years of probation for aiding and abetting her sister’s cover-up. In court, Sarah expressed remorse for misleading investigators and apologized to the victims’ family. Both sisters had prior criminal histories connected to substance abuse. The judge noted that while Sarah had shown progress in rehabilitation, her decision to lie for her sister prolonged the suffering of a grieving family and complicated the investigation.
Grief and Reflection in an Amish Community
Amish buggies with horses are seen in Daviess County Ind., Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. Daviess County is home to the seventh largest Amish settlement in the nation and the fourth largest in Indiana. The group primarily makes their living by operating small businesses, building homes and working in manufacturing.
The Miller family, whose four children were struck in the buggy, were present at Sarah’s sentencing earlier this year. While two children survived, the deaths of their sisters left a lasting void. In court, a family representative said their faith called them to forgiveness, though understanding the the choice to continue lying during the investigation was difficult. Fillmore County Sheriff John DeGeorge said the case highlighted the risks of impaired driving on roads shared with horse-drawn vehicles, where vigilance is essential. One of the managers at Samantha Petersen’s employer said Samantha had previously cared for Sarah’s children when Sarah was incarcerated, and that may have influenced Sarah to try to help Samantha after the crash.
Sources: NBC News, CBS News, KROC, Fillmore County Journal, KFGO
