PRESTON, Minn. – A woman accused in a fatal wreck with an Amish buggy in September, Samantha Jo Petersen, was freed on her own recognizance in her first court appearance. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter allowed Petersen to go home without posting any bail so long as she stays drug-free and alcohol-free nd doesn’t keave the state. Her next court appearance was scheduled for June. At the arraignment Judge Clinefelter gave Petersen an option. One was posting bail of $50,000 and being released on her word that he wouldn’t skip out. She chose the cost-free option with the conditions. The hearing was only 15 minutes. Petersen, age 35, was solemn and spoke only to identify herself for the record and to acknowledge that she understood the charges against her. She arrived and left the Fillmore County Courthouse in a dark parka, hoodie up, and unpressed jeans and a flimsy sweater.
Free with no bail
County prosecutor Brett Corson asked Judge Klinefelter to set bail at $100,000. Petersen’s attorney, Carson Heefner, asked for zero bail. The judge, although acknowledging Petersen as a public safety risk, set bail at $50,000 with the option if no bail if she agreed to stay drug and alcohol clean and comes back to court for further hearings on her own volition. In post-hearing interviews, Heefner expressed surprise the prosecution hadn’t sought more than $100,000.
The criminal case
Samantha Jo Petersen stands accused of driving into horse-pulled Amish buggy and killing two children on their way to school and injuring two others. Their horse was also killed. In all Samantha Jo faces 31 charges. These include eight counts of criminal vehicular homicide, eight counts of criminal vehicular operation, two counts of driving while intoxicated, failure to provide proof of insurance, careless driving, and speeding. When deputies arrived at the accident, both Samantha Jo and her twin sister Sarah Beth Petersen were at the scene. Investigators, said the twins, who look alike, had concocted a story that Sarah Beth was driving, this to protect Samantha Jo, who investigators said was as high on meth. The twins have a long history, going back to grade scool, of swapping places to confuse authorities when they were trouble. Separately the twin Sarah Beth also faces multiple charges. Her arraignment will be later this week.
Earlier: Attorney seeks all documents in fatal buggy crash
Earlier: Sheriff defends lengthiness of buggy wreck probe
Petersen. Samaha Jo, pictured here, and identical win Sarah Beth lived in spring Valley when the accident occurred north of town. Since then they’ve relocated 60 miles to Kellogg.
Clinefelter. On Fillmore County bench since 2022. Appointed by Governor Tim Walz.