Family of bicyclist killed in Uptown hit-and-run waited 3 years for justice

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - After nearly 3 years of bizarre twists, one final surprise brought an end to a long-delayed Minneapolis hit-and-run case. In July 2013, 24-year-old Jessica Hanson was struck and killed while riding her bike at 28th Street and Pleasant Avenue near Uptown.

25-year-old Abdirahman Ali turned himself in a few days later, claiming he was fleeing gunfire. His trial was repeatedly delayed, but Monday -- nearly 3 years after the fatal crash -- a jury was picked on the 5th attempt, only to discover a judge's error. As jury selection started over Tuesday, lawyers reached a plea deal.

“Everybody we've had contact here with the prosecutor’s office has said the same thing -- they've never seen a case like this,” said Jessica’s uncle, Tom Kummrow. “Like I said, the prosecutor said he's been prosecuting for 21 years -- never had a case like this.”

Under the deal, Ali pled guilty to one count of criminal vehicular homicide, and a second charge was dropped. He will be sentenced to 39 months in prison.