Damarco Thompson testifies

In the Derrick Thompson trial now wrapping up in Minneapolis, his older brother Damarco appeared as a witness for the prosecution. Damarco testified that he was never in the rented Cadillac Escalade on the fateful night in June 2023.

Derrick, now age 29, is on trial for fifteen felony counts related to a horror car crash that killed five young women near East Lake Street in south Minneapolis.

His defense centered on creating doubts as to whether it was Derrick or Damarco behind the wheel of the Escalade.

In a surprise move, prosecutors subpoenaed Damarco, now age 32, to testify. Damarco asserted his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. Prosecutors provided Damarco state and federal immunity from prosecution from any charges related to the gun and drugs found in the Escalade after the crash. Then the judge ordered his testimony compelled on the narrow issue of who was behind the wheel.

It was a busy day for Damarco and his attorney. Both were in a St. Paul courtroom this morning for a hearing in a felony drug and gun case against Damarco, unrelated to his brother Derrick.

Later, in Minneapolis, Damarco testified that it wasn’t him behind the wheel in 2023, and he stuck to his story under cross-examination.

The prosecution rested. The defense then rested, without calling any witnesses. Derrick Thompson did not testify.

Closing statements in the case are scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday) morning.