Teen Charged in Independence Crash That Killed 11-Year-Old Girl

Aug 13

A 18-year-old driver is charged after authorities say he ran a stop sign while speeding and using his phone, causing a crash that killed an 11-year-old girl in Independence earlier this year.

Conner Michael Iversen, 18, is charged with one count of criminal vehicular homicide after the February 26 crash at County Road 6 and County Road 83.

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According to the complaint, West Hennepin Public Safety officers were called to the scene around 8:14 a.m. and found three vehicles involved, including Iversen’s 2007 GMC Sierra.

A GMC Acadia carrying six passengers had been struck by Iversen’s truck, then collided with a Dodge Ram. The complaint says an 11-year-old passenger in the Acadia’s third row was found bleeding from the head with a severe neck injury. She was taken to Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis, where she later died.

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A driver who had been behind the Acadia told officers it was the Acadia’s turn to enter the intersection when Iversen drove through without stopping, hitting the SUV. Other witnesses reported he did not slow down before the crash.

Crash reconstruction determined the primary factor was Iversen’s failure to stop at the posted sign, despite advance warning signs. Data from his truck’s crash recorder showed he was driving 63 mph one second before the collision, in a 50 mph zone. Investigators say cell phone records show he was using the device in the moments leading up to the crash.

Iversen was charged Monday, but had been in jail already for other pending charges, including 3rd-degree assault, receiving stolen property, and fleeing police in a motor vehicle.

Iversen made an initial court appearance on his new charge and a judge set bail at $150,000. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

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