MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA — A Minnesota woman has pleaded guilty after prosecutors say she ran two red lights at high speed and crashed into an SUV, killing two best friends who were on their way to visit a friend recently diagnosed with cancer.
Teniki Steward, 40, entered a guilty plea to two counts of third-degree murder and two counts of criminal vehicular operation in connection with the Dec. 16, 2024 crash that claimed the lives of 57-year-old Rose Reece and 53-year-old Esther Fulks.
Prosecutors Say She “Narrowly Avoided” Other Collisions
According to court documents, Steward was driving a Buick Enclave and was speeding when she ran through two red lights before slamming into a Ford Explorer carrying Reece and Fulks.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a statement that Steward “narrowly avoided multiple collisions before striking Rose and Esther’s vehicle.”
The force of the crash sent the Ford Explorer into a nearby bus stop, where a 17-year-old boy was waiting for his school bus.
Additional Injuries Reported
The 17-year-old was hospitalized with injuries, as was a male passenger riding in Steward’s vehicle at the time of the crash.
Authorities did not release additional details about the severity of their injuries but confirmed both survived.
Victims Remembered as Community Leaders
Family members say Reece and Fulks were more than coworkers — they were lifelong friends who both worked for the Cultural Wellness Center.
On the morning of the crash, they were reportedly heading out to visit another close friend who had recently been diagnosed with cancer.
Reece’s son described his mother as “a force of compassion and strength in the Minneapolis community,” noting that she had spent more than 30 years advocating for others. Fulks’ daughter described her mother as a beloved mother of four who was deeply cherished in her community.
Both women are being remembered for their dedication, service, and the lasting impact they made on those around them.
Sentencing Scheduled
Prosecutors confirmed that Steward entered what is known as a “straight plea,” meaning there was no negotiated sentence as part of the agreement.
She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17. If convicted on the third-degree murder charges, she faces significant prison time.
As with all criminal cases, sentencing will ultimately be determined by the court.
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