A Minnesota teen who was previously released by a district attorney criticised for leniency has been charged with criminal vehicular homicide over the death of an 11-year-old girl. Conner Michael Iversen, 18, is accused of killing Lilyana Loycano in a crash on 26 February after running a stop sign in Independence. The girl died two days later.
Hennepin County District Attorney Mary Moriarty initially did not charge Iversen, but reversed course after the case was reviewed in mid-July. 'After this case was submitted to our office in mid-July, we conducted a thorough review and are confident in our charging decision,' she said in a statement. 'Lilyana should still be with her family.'
Two days after the crash, Iversen allegedly stabbed a man who had offered him a ride in Golden Valley, causing leg and facial injuries. He was later found in a maintenance building covered in blood and scratches. Police also suspect he broke into a home and stole an e-bike.
Moriarty has faced criticism for other decisions, including dismissing charges against a man accused of raping a 14-year-old girl and offering probation to a teenager involved in a fatal carjacking. Despite calls from the Minnesota attorney general and the governor to change her approach, she has defended her record.
Iversen now faces charges for the crash and the stabbing. He remains in custody.
