Woman, 38, blew past red light in fatal north Minneapolis crash, charges say
MINNEAPOLIS — A 38-year-old woman is facing two counts of criminal vehicular homicide in connection with Monday's crash that killed two people and injured three others.
According to the criminal complaint filed in court Friday, the woman, Teniki Steward, is also charged with two counts of criminal vehicular operation resulting in great bodily harm.
The crash happened at the intersection of Emerson Avenue North and 26th Avenue North.
Charges say Steward was driving a Buick Enclave at a high rate of speed on Emerson Avenue North, sped through a red light and struck a Ford Explorer at the intersection.
The force of the collision caused the Explorer to veer off the road and strike a Metro Transit bus shelter. The driver of the Explorer died at the scene and a passenger died at the hospital, charges say.
The victims have been identified by the Hennepin County Medical Examiner's Office as 53-year-old Esther Jean Fulks and 57-year-old Rose Elaine Reece. Both women were from Minneapolis.
Minneapolis resident Sam Morningstar worked with Fulks, and said she and Reece were huge assets to the community.
"Esther worked with a lot of families and people who came into the building," Morningstar said. "These were our people. We're all in shock right now and we're just trying to heal."
A 17-year-old boy standing on the sidewalk near the bus shelter was taken to the hospital and treated for a broken collarbone.
Steward and a man riding in the Enclave were also taken to the hospital.
The Hennepin County Attorney's Office says Steward, from Minneapolis, is in custody.
Residents who live near where the crash happened said speed tends to be a problem in the area.
"They're going way too fast and then they hit the brakes," north Minneapolis resident Mike Malm said, "and they go right through."
"This was another completely avoidable incident of a car being driven irresponsibly with disastrous consequences," Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said in a written statement Friday.
Remembering Rose and Esther
As family and community members embrace and come to grips with the loss of Reece and Fulks, they're also remembering the impact they had on those around them.
"Everybody got a good story about my mom, everybody," Reece's son Drakkar Lobley said. "My mom has done a lot for the community. She been a real big support system for a lot of people, not just me."
Family members say Reece was a symbol of selfless service, recognized for her leadership and contributions to her community.
Fulks was a connected community member and mother of four known for her work ethic with Hennepin County.
"Esther worked with a lot of families and people who actually came into the buildings and so a lot of people know Esther and Rose," Sam Morningstar said.
Despite the loss, they're choosing to embrace community as they lean on each other to get through this tragedy.
"I don't have no real hate for this lady in my heart," Lobley said.
"We forgive the other family too," Kip Van Trease, the nephew of Reece and Fulks, said. "That's our family. The northside community is connected as one."
