Crime, Law and Justice

Driver pleads guilty in Minneapolis hit-and-run crash that killed 16-year-old girl

A memorial on the side of a downtown street
Balloons, flowers and candles line a makeshift memorial on Sept. 16, 2024 for 16-year-old De’Miaya Broome, who was killed in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Minneapolis.
Ben Hovland | MPR News file

A Minneapolis woman pleaded guilty Tuesday to murder and assault after driving her vehicle into a group of people downtown last year. 

According to court documents, Latalia Margalli, 23, drove her SUV into a group of people near Fifth Street and Hennepin Avenue just after midnight on Sept. 14. She hit 16-year-old De’Miaya Broome, who died from her injuries. Five other people were hurt.

Margalli had allegedly been involved in a fight with several people in the group. Court documents say she then got in her vehicle parked nearby and accelerated into the crowd.

Margalli fled the scene after the crash. She was arrested soon after, when police located her SUV. She was charged with one count of second-degree murder and five counts of assault.

Following the guilty plea, Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said Broome’s death was a loss to the community.

“Ms. Margalli made a terrible decision that changed many lives that day. This guilty plea provides a pathway to a lengthy sentence that holds Ms. Margalli accountable and protects our community,” Moriarty said in a statement. 

Margalli’s sentencing is scheduled for June 24.

Volume Button
Volume
Now Listening To Livestream
MPR News logo
On Air
All Things Considered with Mary Louise Kelly