Preston, MN (KROC-AM News) - The former Stewartville woman who was behind the wheel of the SUV that smashed into an Amish buggy and killed two young children in 2023 finalized a previously announced plea agreement today.

Thirty-seven-year-old Samantha Petersen, who currently has a Wabasha address, was accused of being under the influence of methamphetamine when the deadly crash occurred on Fillmore County Road 1 near Stewartville. The crash claimed the lives of 7-year-old Wilma and 11-year-old Irma Miller. Two of their siblings survived but suffered serious injuries.

Petersen faced six counts of criminal vehicular homicide, six counts of criminal vehicular operation, gross misdemeanor DWI, and multiple misdemeanor traffic charges.

Get our free mobile app

Today, Petersen entered guilty pleas to one count each of criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation in exchange for the dismissal of the other charges. An earlier court filing stated that Petersen admitted she was under the influence of the drug when the crash occurred.

READ MORE: Plea Deal Reached in Amish Buggy Crash That Killed 2 Kids

She is scheduled to be sentenced in late September. Under the terms of her plea deal, Petersen will be afforded the opportunity to argue for a downward departure from state sentencing guidelines. If the court denies her request, the plea agreement calls for her to serve a four-year prison sentence.

Petersen's twin sister, 37-year-old Sarah Petersen, was previously sentenced to 90 days in jail, four years on probation, and 120 days of electronic home monitoring after she entered guilty pleas to criminal vehicular operation charges. She was accused of lying to investigators in an attempt to protect her sister from criminal charges.

More Minnesota News:

• Teen Suspects Charged in Rochester Carjacking Case
• Sex Offender Charged in Rochester Child Porn Case
• Minnesota Motorcyclist Killed in Scott County Collision