PRESTON, Minn. — A driver who smashed into a horse-drawn Amish buggy while high on meth, killing two children on their way to school, will spend four years in prison. The sentence was imposed on Samantha Petersen by Fillmore County Judge Jeremy Clinefelter. The sentence was consistent with a plea agreement that prosecutors and Petersen’s attorney worked out. Petersen, age 37, was ordered also to pay $50,000 restitution to the Amish family. Four children were in the buggy in the October 2023 crash. The children who died were 11 and 7 years old. Samantha Petersen was taken away from the courtroom in handcuffs for the 135-mile trip to the 600-inmate Shakopee state women’s prison. Samantha’s twin sister Sarah was sentenced earlier for lying to cover for sister’s role as an impaired driver. Sarah already has served her time.
Shakopee prison. On 67 acres enclosed by 12-foot fence.