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Fight breaks out as testimony starts in Forest Lake hit-and-run trial

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Published  December 11, 2024 9:33pm CST
Forest Lake
FOX 9

Trial to begin in deadly Forest Lake hit-and-run

The trial for Dylan Simmons, who is accused of hitting and killing 17-year-old Darisha Bailey, is set to begin Monday. FOX 9's Karen Scullin speaks with the victim's family and the suspect's family ahead of the trial.

The Brief

    • Authorities say "an altercation" happened between the family of a teen girl and the family of a man accused of fatally running her over.
    • The incident reportedly took place inside the Washington County courthouse as testimony in the trial began.
    • One person is banned following the incident. 

STILLWATER, Minn. (FOX 9) - Tensions boiled over outside the courtroom on Wednesday as testimony got underway in the trial of Dylan Simmons, the man charged with murder for running a teen girl over in Forest Lake.

Background

Simmons' trial began this week, as he faces charges in the death of 17-year-old Darisha Bailey Vath in July 2023.

After a fight between two groups in Forest Lake, Simmons is accused of climbing into his Mazda and driving towards a group of people twice, striking Vath on his second attempt.

READ MORE: Charges upgraded against driver accused of running down teen girl with car in Forest Lake

What's new?

The Washington County Sheriff's Office confirmed there was an altercation on Wednesday between members of the victim's friends and family and Simmons' friends and family.

Several people were detained following the incident and one minor was cited. One person was also banned from returning to the courthouse for the trial.

What's next?

Proceedings in the trial are set to resume on Thursday.

The Source: Information shared by the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Forest LakeCrime and Public Safety