Driver Who Ran Down Group, Killing Teen Girl, Pleas Guilty

May 30

*A still image of the suspect vehicle just before the fatal crash.* ***Submitted***

A Minneapolis woman has pleaded guilty to running over and killing a teenage girl and injuring five others during a violent street altercation downtown last fall.

Latalia Anjolie Margalli, 23, entered a guilty plea this week to one count of second-degree unintentional murder and five counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon.

The plea comes in connection to a Sept. 14, 2024, incident near 5th Street and Hennepin Avenue in downtown Minneapolis.

According to court documents, the violence began as a verbal dispute between Margalli and a group of people she knew. The confrontation escalated into a physical fight involving several women, including 16-year-old De’Miaya Broome.

Surveillance video captured the moment Margalli got into her SUV during the fight, first reversing in a rush and knocking over her own passenger with the still-open vehicle door. Seconds later, Margalli shifted into drive and accelerated the wrong way down 5th Street. She drove directly into a crowd of people without braking, striking multiple victims.

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One of those struck was Broome, who was rushed to the hospital but died of her injuries. Five others were also transported for treatment, with injuries ranging from broken bones and a head injury.

Witnesses told police Margalli had made a threat to shoot the group before getting into the SUV. One bystander, who wasn’t involved in the fight, said Margalli “didn’t hit her brakes or nothing.” Another person who had arrived with her said Margalli appeared to re-enter the fight using her vehicle after someone had sprayed mace.

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After fleeing the scene, Margalli was located by police a short time later and taken into custody. She has remained in jail since her arrest, with bail previously set at $1.5 million.

At the time of the offense, Margalli was charged with second-degree intentional murder and five counts of second-degree assault. As part of the plea, she admitted guilt to all charges, and was pleading guilty without any sentencing agreement in place. Prosecutors had previously filed a notice that they intended to seek an aggravated sentence.

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Sentencing is scheduled for June 24. Prosecutors have not disclosed what penalty they will seek, but the second-degree unintentional murder charge carries a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison.

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