Woman Now Facing Murder for Deadly Minneapolis Hit-And-Run Crashes

May 6

A woman accused of striking four pedestrians with her car in two separate Uptown hit-and-run incidents last week is now charged with murder after the death of one of the victims.

Sophia Elizabeth Sullivan, 38, of Minneapolis, was originally charged with multiple counts of assault and criminal vehicular operation after allegedly using her silver Honda Accord to run down four individuals in two locations on April 30.

PREVIOUSLY: Woman Accused of Running Down 4 in Uptown

A newly amended criminal complaint filed Monday in Hennepin County now includes one count of second-degree murder with intent, and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.

The charges stem from two hit-and-runs that occurred within minutes and blocks of each other on the evening of April 30.

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According to the amended complaint, the first incident happened around 6:19 p.m. at the intersection of 26th Street West and Grand Avenue South. Two pedestrians were in the crosswalk with the right of way when Sullivan allegedly ran a red light and struck them. One victim suffered a cut to their head, while the other sustained abrasions and burns from hitting the pavement.

Roughly five minutes later and half a mile away, at 26th Street West and Emerson Avenue South, two more pedestrians were struck. Surveillance video captured Sullivan’s vehicle accelerating towards two individuals as they entered the crosswalk. One of the victims was thrown approximately 30 feet and sustained a fractured wrist. The other landed on the hood of the car and was then run over and dragged underneath the vehicle as Sullivan allegedly continued driving, later swerving to dislodge the body in a parking lot before driving off again.

*Overview of incident locations and proximity.* ***Via Google Earth.***

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She was transported to HCMC in critical condition and placed on life support. The Hennepin County Medical Examiner later confirmed that she died on May 2nd due to her injuries.

Prosecutors state Sullivan remained at large for only a short time after the second incident. Her vehicle was located near her apartment building at 28th Street West and Girard Avenue South. The car reportedly had a smashed windshield and apparent blood on it.

Sullivan is now charged with one count of second-degree murder with intent, three counts of attempted second-degree murder for the other victims, and three counts of second-degree assault with a dangerous weapon. Sullivan faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Sullivan remains in custody on $2 million unconditional bail. Her next court appearance is scheduled for June 3.

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