PRESTON, Minn. – The twin sisters Samantha Jo and Sarah Beth Peterson asked a judge to dismiss charges in the deaths of two Amish children when their buggy was rear-ended near Spring Valley in September. The sisters challenged the legal validity of the evidence against them. Among the sisters’ claims is that a recording of them conversing after the collision was recorded surreptitiously. Judge Jeremy Clinefelter will decide the dismissal arguments. The cases against the twins are separate. Their next hearings have been scheduled in August.
> Samantha Jo Petersen. She faces 21 charges including eight counts. These include vehicular homicide, criminal vehicular operation, driving while impaired, failing to provide proof of insurance, and careless driving. She claims the state has no evidence that she was driving while under the influence of any mood-altering drugs or alcohol. She also claims there is no evidence of negligence. About a count hat she left the scene, she says she left with police permission.
> Sarah Beth Petersen. She faces 16 felony charges relating to aiding an offender and taking responsibility falsely for criminal acts. She claims that police failed to advise her of her right to remain silent before questioning her.
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